Part IX International Environmental Law in National/Regional Courts, Ch.66 Oceania

Abstract

This chapter addresses international environmental law in the courts of Oceania. The Oceania region stretches across Australasia, Melanesia, Micronesia, and Polynesia, embracing fourteen independent states, two states in free association with New Zealand, and offshore territories of three other states. The states of Oceania have generally been strong advocates for international environmental law and have adopted notable regional environmental treaties. A range of topics of international environmental law has been canvassed in Oceania courts, from sustainable fisheries management to the protection of world heritage. Reflecting the major threat that global warming poses to Oceania, cases addressing climate issues represent a growing proportion of this region's environmental jurisprudence. However, the primary barrier to greater application of international environmental law in Oceania courts is the incomplete implementation of environmental treaty commitments in domestic law.