Environmental Law I (LJI 403)

Topic: Institutions Responsible for Environmental Protection and Management

(international, regional and national)
Compiled by: Stephen I. Ilesanmi (Lecturer)

INTRODUCTION
Environmental protection and management have become a critical global concern for the
international community. The world is facing numerous environmental challenges such as
climate change, loss of biodiversity, global warming, flooding, pollution etc. These challenges
require coordinated global efforts to address them effectively. International institutions (global
and regional) have been established to facilitate cooperation among nations in managing the
environment. Also, Nongovernmental Organisations (global, regional and national) have been
contributing tremendously on global environmental concerns. This lecture note discusses the
international, regional, and national institutions responsible for environmental protection and
management.
INTERNATIONAL
United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) was established in 1972 as a result of the
United Nations Conference on the Human Environment held in Stockholm, Sweden. Its mandate
is to coordinate environmental activities within the United Nations system and to assist countries
in implementing environmentally sound policies and practices. UNEP has played a critical role
in addressing global environmental issues such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and
pollution. It has also been instrumental in promoting sustainable development through its various
programs and initiatives.
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) was established in 1988 by the World
Meteorological Organization (WMO) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
Its mandate is to provide scientific information to governments and the public on climate change,
its causes, and potential impacts. The IPCC has been instrumental in raising awareness of the
urgency of addressing climate change and has provided the scientific basis for international
climate negotiations.
Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)
The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) was adopted at the United Nations Conference
on Environment and Development in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in 1992. Its objective is to conserve
biodiversity, promote sustainable use of its components, and ensure the fair and equitable sharing
of the benefits arising from the use of genetic resources. The CBD has played a critical role in

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promoting conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity through its various programs and
initiatives.
United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)
The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) was adopted at the
United Nations Conference on Environment and Development in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in 1992.
Its objective is to stabilize greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere at a level that would
prevent dangerous anthropogenic interference with the climate system. The UNFCCC has been
instrumental in promoting international cooperation on climate change and has provided the
framework for international climate negotiations.
World Health Organization (WHO)
The World Health Organization (WHO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations
responsible for international public health. Its mandate is to promote health, prevent diseases,
and provide access to health care for all people. The WHO has been involved in environmental
health issues such as air pollution, water quality, and sanitation. It has played a critical role in
promoting policies and practices that protect human health from environmental hazards.
INTERNATIONAL NGOs
Greenpeace
Greenpeace is an international environmental organization founded in 1971. Its mission is to
promote peace, protect the environment, and promote sustainable development. Greenpeace has
been involved in various environmental campaigns such as climate change, deforestation, and
marine pollution. The organization has a presence in over 50 countries and has over three million
supporters worldwide. Greenpeace has been successful in raising awareness about environmental
issues and advocating for policy changes. For example, the organization played a critical role in
the ban on whaling and the phase-out of ozone-depleting chemicals. Greenpeace has also been
involved in campaigns against nuclear power and genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
World Wildlife Fund (WWF)
The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) is an international conservation organization founded in 1961.
Its mission is to conserve nature and reduce the most pressing threats to the diversity of life on
Earth. WWF has been involved in various conservation programs such as protecting endangered
species, conserving forests, and promoting sustainable fisheries. WWF has been successful in
promoting conservation and sustainable development. For example, the organization played a
critical role in the establishment of protected areas such as the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park
and the Amazonian National Park. WWF has also been involved in promoting sustainable
agriculture practices and reducing the impact of climate change on biodiversity.
Friends of the Earth (FoE)
Friends of the Earth (FoE) is an international environmental organization founded in 1969. Its
mission is to promote a sustainable world by campaigning on environmental issues such as

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climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution. FoE has a presence in over 70 countries and has
over two million supporters worldwide. FoE has been successful in promoting environmental
awareness and advocating for policy changes. For example, the organization played a critical
role in the establishment of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
(UNFCCC) and the adoption of the Kyoto Protocol. FoE has also been involved in campaigns
against fossil fuels and promoting renewable energy.
REGIONAL INSTITUTIONS
African Union Commission
The African Union Commission (AUC) is a continental organization responsible for promoting
unity, peace, and sustainable development in Africa. The AUC has various departments that
focus on environmental issues such as climate change, biodiversity conservation, and
desertification. The AUC has been involved in various initiatives such as the Great Green Wall
project, which aims to combat desertification in the Sahel region of Africa.
United Nations Environment Programme - Africa
The United Nations Environment Programme - Africa (UNEP-Africa) is a regional office of the
United Nations responsible for promoting environmental sustainability in Africa. UNEP-Africa
works with governments, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders to promote
sustainable development and address environmental challenges such as climate change,
pollution, and biodiversity loss. UNEP-Africa has been involved in various initiatives such as the
African Clean Cities Platform, which aims to promote sustainable urban development in African
cities. For example, it is currently in partnership with the Federal Government of Nigeria to clean
up Ogoni Community since 2016.
African Development Bank
The African Development Bank (AfDB) is a multilateral financial institution that provides
funding for development projects in Africa. The AfDB has various departments that focus on
environmental issues such as climate change, natural resource management, and sustainable
agriculture. The AfDB has been involved in various initiatives such as the Climate Change
Action Plan, which aims to promote low-carbon development in Africa.
Regional Economic Communities
Regional Economic Communities (RECs) are regional organizations that promote economic
integration and development in Africa. Some of the RECs have departments that focus on
environmental issues such as climate change, biodiversity conservation, and natural resource
management. For example, the East African Community has a department responsible for
environment and natural resources. The Southern African Development Community has a
directorate responsible for environment and sustainable development.

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ECOWAS COMMISSION
The ECOWAS Commission is the executive body of the organization responsible for
implementing its policies and programs. The commission has a department dedicated to
environment and natural resources management. The department focuses on promoting
sustainable development practices, addressing climate change, and protecting biodiversity in the
region. The department also works with member states to develop policies and strategies for
environmental protection and management.
West African Biodiversity and Climate Change (WA BICC) Program
The WA BICC program is a joint initiative between ECOWAS and the German government
aimed at promoting biodiversity conservation and climate change mitigation in West Africa. The
program works with member states to develop policies and strategies for biodiversity
conservation and climate change mitigation. It also provides technical assistance, capacity
building, and funding for projects that promote biodiversity conservation and climate change
mitigation.
ECOWAS Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (ECREEE)
ECREEE is an ECOWAS institution responsible for promoting renewable energy and energy
efficiency in the region. The organization works with member states to develop policies and
strategies for renewable energy and energy efficiency. It also provides technical assistance,
capacity building, and funding for renewable energy and energy efficiency projects. ECREEE
aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, increase access to electricity, and promote sustainable
development in the region.
West African Network of Environmental Journalists (WANEJ)
WANEJ is an ECOWAS institution that promotes environmental journalism in West Africa. The
organization works with journalists to raise awareness about environmental issues, promote
sustainable development practices, and hold governments accountable for environmental policies
and programs. WANEJ also provides training and capacity building for environmental journalists
in the region.
REGIONAL NGOs
Greenpeace Africa
Greenpeace Africa is an international NGO that focuses on environmental issues such as climate
change, deforestation, and pollution. Greenpeace Africa works with communities, governments,
and other stakeholders to promote sustainable development and protect the environment.
Greenpeace Africa has been involved in various campaigns such as the Save Congo Rainforest
campaign, which aims to protect the Congo Basin rainforest from deforestation.
African Wildlife Foundation
The African Wildlife Foundation (AWF) is an NGO that focuses on wildlife conservation and
management in Africa. AWF works with governments, communities, and other stakeholders to

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promote sustainable wildlife management and protect endangered species. AWF has been
involved in various initiatives such as the African Elephant Program, which aims to protect
African elephants from poaching and habitat loss.
World Wide Fund for Nature - Africa
The WorldWide Fund for Nature - Africa (WWF-Africa) is an international NGO that focuses on
biodiversity conservation and sustainable development in Africa. WWF-Africa works with
governments, communities, and other stakeholders to promote sustainable natural resource
management and protect biodiversity. WWF-Africa has been involved in various initiatives such
as the African Rhino Program, which aims to protect African rhinos from poaching and habitat
loss.
Friends of the Earth Africa
Friends of the Earth Africa is a network of environmental organizations that focuses on
promoting environmental justice and sustainable development in Africa. Friends of the Earth
Africa works with communities, governments, and other stakeholders to address environmental
challenges such as climate change, pollution, and natural resource depletion. Friends of the Earth
Africa has been involved in various campaigns such as the Stop Gas Flaring campaign, which
aims to end gas flaring in Nigeria.
BirdLife International - Africa
BirdLife International - Africa is an NGO that focuses on bird conservation and management in
Africa. BirdLife International - Africa works with governments, communities, and other
stakeholders to promote sustainable bird management and protect endangered bird species.
BirdLife International - Africa has been involved in various initiatives such as the African
Penguin Program, which aims to protect African penguins from habitat loss and overfishing.

NATIONAL INSTITUTIONS
Federal and States’ Ministries of Environment
The Federal and States’ Ministries of Environment are the primary institutions responsible for
environmental protection and management in Nigeria. These ministries are responsible for
developing and implementing policies, programs, and projects that promote sustainable
development and protect the environment. These ministries also coordinate the activities of other
government agencies involved in environmental protection and management.
National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA)
NESREA is a federal government agency responsible for enforcing environmental standards and
regulations in Nigeria. The agency ensures compliance with environmental laws, regulations, and
guidelines, and also promotes sustainable development practices. NESREA has the mandate to
prosecute individuals and organizations that violate environmental laws.

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National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA)
NOSDRA is a federal government agency responsible for detecting and responding to oil spills
in Nigeria. The agency works with oil companies to prevent oil spills and also coordinates the
cleanup of oil spills when they occur. NOSDRA also monitors the impact of oil spills on the
environment and recommends measures to mitigate their effects.
National Parks Service
The National Parks Service is a federal government agency responsible for managing Nigeria's
national parks and protected areas. The agency is responsible for conserving wildlife, protecting
natural habitats, and promoting ecotourism. The National Parks Service also works with local
communities to promote sustainable development practices around national parks.
National Agency for the Great Green Wall
The National Agency for the Great Green Wall is a federal government agency responsible for
implementing the Great Green Wall project in Nigeria. The project aims to combat
desertification by planting trees and promoting sustainable land management practices in the
northern part of Nigeria. The agency works with local communities to implement the project and
also provides training and capacity building for sustainable land management practices.
NATIONAL NGOs
Environmental Rights Action/Friends of the Earth Nigeria (ERA/FoEN)
ERA/FoEN is a leading environmental NGO in Nigeria that focuses on promoting environmental
justice and sustainable development. The organization works on issues such as oil pollution,
deforestation, and climate change, and advocates for policies that protect the environment and
human rights. ERA/FoEN also provides training and capacity building for local communities to
promote sustainable development practices.
Centre for Environmental Education and Development (CEED)
CEED is an NGO that focuses on promoting environmental education and awareness in Nigeria.
The organization works with schools, communities, and government agencies to promote
sustainable development practices and raise awareness about environmental issues. CEED also
provides training and capacity building for individuals and organizations involved in
environmental protection and management.
Greenpeace Africa- Nigeria
Greenpeace Africa is an international NGO that works on environmental issues across the
African continent, including Nigeria. The organisation focuses on issues such as deforestation,
pollution, and climate change, and advocates for policies that protect the environment and human
rights. Greenpeace Africa also conducts research and provides education and awareness-raising
activities on environmental issues.