Biodiversity and Nature Conservation Law and Policy in the Middle East and North Africa Region

Damilola S. Olawuyi, SAN is Professor and UNESCO Chair of Environmental Law and Sustainable Development at the Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) College of Law, Doha, Qatar. He is also the Director of the Institute for Oil, Gas, Energy, Environment and Sustainable Development at the Afe Babalola University, Nigeria. Professor Olawuyi is an Independent Expert on the United Nations Working Group on Business and Human Rights and Chair of the Association of Environmental Law Lecturers in Middle East and North African Universities (ASSELLMU). Riyad Fakhri is Professor of Law and Director of the Research Laboratory in Business Law at Hassan 1st University, Settat, Morocco. He is Vice Chair of the Association of Environmental Law Lecturers in Middle East and North African Universities (ASSELLMU).

'In this era defined by unprecedented environmental challenges, it is essential to understand the legal and policy frameworks that underpin the region's conservation efforts. This book, Biodiversity and Nature Conservation Law and Policy in the Middle East and North Africa Region, sheds light on the latest legal landscapes that shape the future of our invaluable biological, natural, and cultural heritage. It is the culmination of a combined effort from legal academics and professionals to raise awareness, inform and provide reflections on how MENA countries can advance strategies, policies, and legislation in a region rich in biological diversity.' Patricia Kameri-Mbote, SC, Director, Law Division, United Nations Environment Programme

• Part I. Introductory Context and Principles: 1. Nature, Scope and Sources of Biodiversity Law and Policy in the MENA Region Damilola S. Olawuyi; 2. The International Legal Framework on Biodiversity and Nature Conservation Jackline Wanjiru and Aphrodite Smagadi; 3. Water Scarcity and Biodiversity in the MENA Region Almas Lokhandwala Maniar; 4. The Role of National and Regional Institutions in Biodiversity and Forest Conservation Riyad Fahkri and Youness Lazrak Hassouni; Part II. Case studies: 5. Nature and Landscape Alterations in the MENA region Oluwatobi Mary Owojori and Emem Anwana; 6. Protecting Land Rights in Biodiversity and Nature-Based Solutions Ghita Chehbouni; 7. Gender-responsive Implementation of Biodiversity and Nature Conservation Treaties Adenike Akinsemolu; 8. Pandemics, Biodiversity Conservation and the Limits of the One Health Framework Devyani Tewari, Irehobhude O. Iyioha and Chidimma Ike; 9. Access and Benefit Sharing in the MENA Region Elena I. Athwal; 10. Biodiversity Entrepreneurship in the MENA Region Josephine Ilesanmi; 11. Advancing Nature and Biodiversity Financing: The Role of Islamic Financing Approaches Tasniem Ahmed Elyass Hussain and Damilola S. Olawuyi; 12. The Preservation of Wetlands and Environmental Water share: Hamoun Wetlands Case Study Mohsen Abdollahi; 13. Are Marine Protected Areas for Fisheries really Protected Areas? Analysis of Marine Protection Regimes in Morocco Samira Idlallène and Hicham Masski; 14. Conservation and Protection of Cultural Heritage Sites in the MENA Region Robert Home; Part III. Lessons Learned and Future Directions: 15. Integrating biodiversity into environmental and social impact assessments Rozhgar A. Mahmood, Qaraman Hassan and Damilola S. Olawuyi; 16. Enhancing multi-stakeholder participation and dialogue in biodiversity and nature conservation Olufunmilola Ayotunde; 17. Strengthening the implementation of biodiversity treaties through environmental legal education Eghosa O. Ekhator; 18. Advancing the Nexus Approach to Biodiversity and Nature Conservation in the MENA Region: Summary and Options for Policy Makers Damilola S. Olawuyi.