Environmental Law

Course Title

eNVIRONMENTAL LAW

Description

This module provides learners with the fundamental concepts and principles, which underpin environmental law and policy in Namibia and internationally. Learners will acquire the ability to evaluate the role of law and policy in conservation and management of natural resources. Learners will be equipped with analytical skills and knowledge necessary to comprehend environmental law issues and to work in this field and other predominantly statutory and regulatory fields.

 

NQF Level

Level 8

Notional Hours

150

NQF Credits

15

Prerequisites

None

Standard Type (Core, fundamental, elective)

Fundamental

Learning Outcomes/Specific Outcomes

Upon completion of the module students will be able to:

 

·      Critically analyse the concepts and legal principles governing environmental law.

·      Apply environmental law in specific situations through policy, legislation and case law.

·      Expedite the development of analytical land integrated problem-solving skills against the backdrop of environmental issues

·      Interpret the international and Namibian law governing the environment and tourism in Namibia.

·      Examine environmental law case studies and raise awareness of global and regional environmental issues.

 

Course Content

Introduction to Environmental Law

·   Decipher various environmental laws

·   Critically explain the history and evolution of environmental law

·   Analyse the principles of environmental law

·   Discuss the development of environmental laws

 

Namibia’s Environmental Laws

·   Discuss the nature and scope of environmental law in Namibia

·   Assess the relationship between tourism and the environmental law in Namibia

·   Analyse the role of governance and Institutions in environmental law.

 

International Environmental Laws

·   Asses environmental law from an International perspective

·   Analyse the sources of environmental law

·   Identify and discuss international environmental treaties and agreements.

 

Framework of Environmental Legislation

·   Discuss the environmental legislation framework of Namibia

·   Define and discuss the role of National Environmental Management

·   Critically evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of environmental framework

·   Discuss the role of Environment Conservation Act

 

Land -Use Planning

·   Analyse the relationship between land use planning and environmental law

·   Outline procedures and processes in land use planning and environmental law

·   Discuss land use planning and environmental law in Namibia 

 

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA)

·    Define EIA and SEA in environmental law

·   Discuss the importance of EIA and SEA in environmental law

·   Outline and explain the processes in EIA and SEA

·   Discuss EIAs and SEA in the context of Namibia

 

Protected Areas

·   Define and distinguish different protected areas in Namibia

·   Discuss the role of protected areas in environmental management

·   Explain the importance of conservation in environmental law

·   Demonstrate an understanding of Namibia’s legislation on protected areas. 

 

Administration, Implementation and Enforcement

·   Define and outline administrative structures in environmental.

·   Discuss the policies on environmental law enforcement.

·   Synthesise the criminal offences in environmental law.

Methods of Facilitating Learning

The module will be inter alia facilitated through the following learning activities:

 

·      Lectures

·      Assigned readings

·      Discussions (all learners are expected to participate)

·      Individual or group class presentations

·      Assignments and tests

·      Field work/ excursions

·      Case Studies

·      Simulations

·      Videos and audio recordings

·      Power Point Presentations

·      Guest Lecturers

·      Peer to peer teaching

 

Assessment Strategies

The module will be assessed using a combination of Continuous Assessment and an end-of-semester examination. Continuous Assessment is made up of the following:

 

Continuous Assessment: 40%

 

·      Tests

·      Assignments/Projects

·      Exercises

·      Quizzes

·      Worksheets

·      Practical exercises

 

Final Examinations: 60%

Time allocation per question paper: between 2 and 3 hours

 

·      The final examination will test the knowledge, understanding and skills outcomes in any given year on the course content covered.

·      The intention of the examination in its formulation is to avoid predictability and encourage students to prepare for all syllabus outcomes.

·      The level of complexity of a paper/s will be maintained consistently from year to year.

·      The intention of the examinations is to assess the following objectives:

 

Ø  Knowledge and Understanding

Ø  Application

Ø  Analysis

Ø  Evaluation

 

·         The examinations may include a range and balance of question types, such as multiple-choice questions, short-answer free response questions, open-ended questions and extended responses including essays. These will be determined by the Department in which the subject resides and with the approval of the Examinations Committee.

·         The demands of the examination in terms of the number and length of student responses required, the amount of reading time provided and the complexity of the questions will be appropriate for the time allocated for the examination.

 

Prescribed Textbooks

1.    Alam, S., Atapattu, S., Gonzalez, C. G., & Razzaque, J. (Eds.). (2015). International Environmental Law and the Global South. London: Cambridge University Press.