Environmental conflicts are now a prominent reality at all levels of society. Local governments, states, the federal government, and the world, strain under the increasing severity of issues ranging from the climate crisis to endangered animals and their habitat. Addressing these conflicts requires persistence, creativity, knowledge, and skill.

Oregon Law houses world-class programs in Environmental and Natural Resources Law (ENR) and Appropriate Dispute Resolution (ADR). Working together, these centers offer students a unique opportunity to learn and to effect positive change in the world.

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Oregon Law Professors Participate in Public Interest Environmental Litigation Workshop in South Africa

Professors Svitlana Kravchenko and John Bonine with University of Witwatersrand environmental law professors Tracy-Lynn Humby (left) and Tumai Murombo (right) after the University of Witwatersrand's Public Interest Environmental Litigation workshop.

Oregon Law Professors John Bonine and Svitlana Kravchenko took part in a workshop on Public Interest Environmental Litigation hosted by the University of Witwatersrand School of Law's Mandela Institute in Johannesburg, South Africa. This was the first workshop of its kind to be hosted by the South African law school.

The July 17 conference featured presentations by distinguished South African environmental lawyers and national directors of NGOs. Professors Bonine and Kravchenko engaged in discussions centered on the critical issues relating to public participation in environmental decision-making.

Conference participants acknowledged that litigation should be used only as a last resort in the environmental conflict resolution process. Instead, environmental organizations, academics, pro bono organizations and corporate law firms should focus on communicating amongst one another and sharing skills and strategies in order for environmental litigation in South Africa to move forward.