GLA Builds Local Capacity to Reduce Wildlife Trafficking in Peru

The Global Law Alliance for Animals and the Environment (GLA) at Lewis & Clark Law School has been working with Peruvian officials and the American Bar Association Rule of Law Initiative (ABA ROLI) in 2022 to protect animals at risk of extinction from wildlife trafficking. Deepening its relationship with justice-system actors in Peru, GLA started the new academic year with a bang, hosting a delegation of Peruvian judges, prosecutors, and police officials for a morning of conversation around wildlife and environmental crime. The event, co-sponsored with ABA ROLI, is the latest in a series of efforts to build local capacity to reduce wildlife trafficking and associated crimes in Peru. In September, GLA will accompany the delegation in meetings designed to facilitate the exchange of information (including best practices and available laws) with U.S. institutions focused on wildlife crime.

In this spirit of mutually-enriching exchange, the conversation included a presentation on enforcement of environmental laws in the United States by Professor Craig Johnston, a presentation on class-action and multi-district litigation as a response to oil spills by Professor Robert Klonoff (as it so happens, Peru recently suffered its worst oil spill on record, with heart-wrenching consequences for marine animals), and a general overview of Lewis & Clark Law’s environmental and animal law programs by Janice Weis, Associate Dean and Director of the Environmental Law, Natural Resources, and Energy Law Program and Dr. Raj Reddy, Director of the Animal Law Program.

The event builds on GLA’s ongoing collaborative efforts to support the incredible – and incredibly difficult – work of officials in Peru. As in so many other countries, wildlife trafficking and crimes against the environment threaten so much in Peru: wild animals, the habitats they call home, and the country’s very identity as a mega-diverse nation. To learn more about GLA’s work in Peru with ABA ROLI, read our blog.

GLA gives a special thanks to Craig Johnston, Bob Klonoff, Raj Reddy, Janice Weis, and the wonderful folks at ABA ROLI. And we take off our hats, once again, to the brave police, prosecutors, and judges of Peru. Your commitment renews our own.

About

The Center for Animal Law Studies and Environmental Law Program at Lewis & Clark Law School created the Global Law Alliance for Animals and the Environment (Global Law Alliance) as champions for wild animals and wild spaces across the globe.

The Center for Animal Law Studies

The Center for Animal Law Studies (CALS) was founded in 2008 with a mission to educate the next generation of animal law advocates and advance animal protection through the law. With vision and bold risk-taking, CALS has since developed into a world-renowned animal law epicenter, with the most comprehensive animal law curriculum offered anywhere. In addition, CALS is the only program that offers two advanced legal degrees in animal law (an LLM degree and a Master of Studies degree for non-lawyers, both degrees are offered in person and online) and multiple animal law clinics and experiential learning opportunities. CALS’ Alumni-in Action from more than 20 countries are advancing legal protections and making a difference in the lives of animals around the world.

The Environmental, Natural Resources, and Energy Law Program

Lewis & Clark Law School’s Environmental, Natural Resources, and Energy Law program has occupied a top slot in the US News rankings for some 25 years. Founded in 1970, the same year of the first Earth Day and the launch of major federal environmental legislation, the program is celebrating its 50th year in 2020. The program offers over 45 courses in environmental law, including two clinics, the Global Law Alliance and a domestic litigation clinic, Earthrise Law Center, and houses the Green Energy Institute which works to further the transition to a 100% renewable energy grid. It offers two two certificates for JDs focusing on environmental issues and energy issues and also offers a LLM degree and a Master of Studies degree for non-lawyers (both of which can be completed on campus or online).