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Journal of Environmental Law and Policy is an international, interdisciplinary journal that facilitates an understanding of environmental governance, policy and law issues not only by drawing upon and contributing to the environmental social sciences, but also linking the ecosystem health, natural resources, and social sciences. The aim of the journal is to promote communication among academia, government, business and industry, civil society groups, citizens’ action groups, and non-governmental organizations who are instrumental in the solving of environmental problems and grassroots level issues.
Metolo Foyet
Department of Geography, University of Florida, Turlington Hall, 3141, 330 Newell Dr, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA.
Email: m.foyet@ufl.edu | ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0006-8054-2281
Patricia Mupeta-Muyamwa
The Nature Conservancy, 4245 N. Fairfax Drive, Suite 100, Arlington, VA 22203 USA.
Email: pmupeta@tnc.org | ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2099-8480
(2023) 03 (03) Journal of Environmental Law and Policy 23-86 https://doi.org/10.33002/jelp030302
Accepted: 10 December 2023
No. of Abstract Views:
Published: 31 December 2023
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Historically, many conservation organizations operated without a dedicated focus on human rights, lacking a systematic approach to ensure compliance with global human rights standards. This oversight led to practices that inadvertently disregarded fundamental human rights principles. Recognizing the pivotal role of communities and Indigenous rights in resource management, there has been a paradigm shift. Conservation organizations now acknowledge the need for a Human Rights Director, a role catalysing a community-centric approach and aligning initiatives with human rights principles. While this shift is in its early stages, it signifies a crucial step towards more responsible and sustainable conservation practices. The Human Rights Director, often underestimated, plays a vital role in navigating the delicate balance between biodiversity conservation and community well-being. This paper explores the responsibilities, challenges, and impact of individuals in this position, emphasizing their role as stewards of ethical practices and advocates for social justice. Through a comprehensive review, case studies and best practices, the paper sheds light on the intricate intersections of human rights and conservation. It underscores the indispensable contributions of Human Rights Directors and their teams to conscientious and sustainable conservation strategies. The discussion contributes to the broader discourse on the synergies between human rights advocacy and effective conservation, emphasizing the imperative for organizations to prioritize the creation of a Human Rights unit. This unit can empower teams to achieve socially responsible conservation outcomes, marking a transformative journey towards ethical conservation practices.
Keywords: Human Rights Director; Conservation organizations; Indigenous rights; Ethical practices
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Foyet, M. and Mupeta-Muyamwa, P. (2023). Human Rights-Based Conservation: The Integral Role of Human Rights Director in the Conservation Sector. Journal of Environmental Law and Policy, 03(03): 23-86. Doi: https://doi.org/10.33002/jelp030302
Foyet, M., & Mupeta-Muyamwa, P. (2023). Human Rights-Based Conservation: The Integral Role of Human Rights Director in the Conservation Sector. Journal of Environmental Law and Policy, 03(03), 23-86. https://doi.org/10.33002/jelp030302
Foyet M., Mupeta-Muyamwa P. Human Rights-Based Conservation: The Integral Role of Human Rights Director in the Conservation Sector. Journal of Environmental Law and Policy, 2023, 03 (03), 23-86. https://doi.org/10.33002/jelp030302
Foyet, Metolo, Mupeta-Muyamwa, Patricia. 2023. “Human Rights-Based Conservation: The Integral Role of Human Rights Director in the Conservation Sector”. Journal of Environmental Law and Policy, 03 no. 03: 23-86 https://doi.org/10.33002/jelp030302
Foyet, Metolo and Patricia Mupeta-Muyamwa. 2023. “Human Rights-Based Conservation: The Integral Role of Human Rights Director in the Conservation Sector”. Journal of Environmental Law and Policy, 03 (03): 23-86. https://doi.org/10.33002/jelp030302
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