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Justification and impact of international environmental agreements on West African sub-region: the ECOWAS’ experience

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  • Sidnoma Nita Belemsobgo

    (University of Lagos)

Abstract

This paper sets out to investigate the impact of International Environmental Agreements on the Economic Community of West African States (hereafter ECOWAS). It also examines the challenges hindering effective implementation of Community Environmental Law (CEL) within the Community Member States. This paper posits that despite the policies, programmes and plans adopted by ECOWAS, some challenges still remain. Effective CEL application faces challenges related to the economy, relevant institutions, the exclusion of indigenous people, and the over-proliferation of International Environmental Agreements. Findings from this paper reveal that institutional challenges have changed since the early 1990s from an institutional vacuum to the emergence of scattered and uncoordinated institutions. Moreover, ECOWAS countries still struggle to balance environmental protection and economic growth. To overcome the aforementioned challenges, it is recommended that ECOWAS learn from existing communities such as the European Union (EU); that modern lawmakers work side by side with indigenous people for effective environmental protection (allying the customary dimension to the legal aspect); that traditional knowledge be considered in drafting “modern” legislation; and that economic incentives like providing low-emission credits to enterprises be created for environmental protection.

Suggested Citation

  • Sidnoma Nita Belemsobgo, 2022. "Justification and impact of international environmental agreements on West African sub-region: the ECOWAS’ experience," Environment Systems and Decisions, Springer, vol. 42(1), pages 85-102, March.
  • Handle: RePEc:spr:envsyd:v:42:y:2022:i:1:d:10.1007_s10669-021-09837-9
    DOI: 10.1007/s10669-021-09837-9
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Meng Yan & Zhen An, 2017. "Foreign Direct Investment and Environmental Pollution: New Evidence from China," Econometrics Letters, Bilimsel Mektuplar Organizasyonu (Scientific letters), vol. 4(1), pages 1-17.
    2. Salami Dada Kareem & David Mautin Oke & Daskareem Vera Enoho & Oladipo Kolapo Sakiru & Babajide David Adesina, 2014. "Impacts of Oil Foreign Direct Investment on Environment and Poverty Level in Niger Delta Oil Producing Region: A Structural Equation Modeling Approach," International Journal of Energy Economics and Policy, Econjournals, vol. 4(4), pages 679-692.
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