TheCable

Damilola Olawuyi, a senior advocate of Nigeria (SAN), has unveiled a book highlighting strategies for environmental due diligence and risk management in Arab states.

Olawuyi, an energy law expert and global vice-chair of the International Law Association, launched his book titled ‘Environmental Law in Arab States’ over the weekend.

Speaking at the unveiling ceremony which held virtually, Olawuyi said the book was written out of the need to provide in-depth knowledge of the oil and gas business in the Arab states.

“Like Nigeria, many oil- and gas-rich countries of the Arab world are introducing new legal requirements and standards on climate change, integrated waste management, energy transition and green infrastructure development and planning. Failure to understand and comply with such emerging standards could pose significant legal and business risks for clients, and their lawyers alike, and may result in complex litigation,” he said.

“This book provides a simplified toolkit for lawyers, investors, planners and policymakers to understand the emerging innovative and bottom-up approaches to environmental regulation across the 22 countries of the Arab region.

“I thank the many helping hands at Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti (ABUAD) for their dedication and support, without which the publication of the book would not have been possible.”

While commenting on the book, Patricia Kameri-Mbote, director of the law division of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), said the book is quite informative and provides direction on sustainable development as it relates to climate change.

“The book will be valuable for the comparative environment and development law scholars and policymakers interested in the tractable questions of resource stewardship, sustainable development and citizenry well-being. It is a rare glimpse into a region where not many have information,” Kameri-Mbote said.

On his part, Robert Mogielnicki, senior resident scholar at the Arab Gulf States Institute, commended the author for carrying out an insightful work.

“Damilola Olawuyi’s clear-eyed study on environmental law in Arab states is essential reading for those interested in environmental pressures facing the Arab region,” he said.

“In this expansive and comprehensive book, Olawuyi elucidates the key legal frameworks and institutions underlying environmental issues. His original work serves not only as an authoritative guide to environmental protection today, but also a roadmap toward a brighter future.”

The 400-page book provides an examination into the essential features of environmental law and regulation in the oil and gas-rich Arab region.

The book also highlights issues on transparency, accountability, gender justice, among other factors needed to achieve greater coordination on the implementation of environmental regulations across the region.