This Master Class focuses explicitly on remedies for harm that has already occurred, and on the legal pathways to operationalize this obligation.
Throughout the Master Class, the approach focuses on remedial actions on-the-ground, rather than monetary compensation. In cases involving financial losses (e.g., loss of income or tax), remedies focused on monetary compensation are often appropriate.
However, most environmental cases involve harm to nature and the public interest in nature – for which monetary compensation is a last resort for developing claims. As such, the approach presented here focus on action that can be taken to help remedy harm.
Livelihood compensation
Fishers were compensated for lost livelihoods following an oil spill.
Increased protected area monitoring
Illegal fishers were ordered to pay for increased monitoring of a marine protected area they had harmed.
Forest restoration
An agricultural company was ordered to pay for the restoration of the site they destroyed.
The Master Class aims to reduce the barriers to the developing liability cases and to increase access to justice. As such, it focuses on pragmatic approaches to developing environmental liability cases that include claims for remedies on-the-ground.
Pollution clean-up and new community garden
A company that buried toxic paint was ordered to clean up the site and fund the creation of an indigenous medicinal garden.
Compensation for biodiversity loss
The Government of Cameroon was compensated by pangolin poachers for harm caused to biodiversity.
Public apology for harm
Rock climbers who defaced a site were ordered to pay compensation and issue a public apology.
Pollution clean-up and new community garden
A company that buried toxic paint was ordered to clean up the site, and funded the creation of an indigenous medicinal garden.
Livelihood compensation
Fishers were compensated for lost livelihoods following an oil spill.
Compensation for biodiversity loss
The Government of Cameroon was compensated by pangolin poachers for harm caused to biodiversity.
Increased protected area monitoring
Illegal fishers were ordered to pay for increased monitoring of a marine protected area they had harmed.
Public apology for harm
Rock climbers who defaced a site were ordered to pay compensation and issue a public apology
Forest restoration
An agricultural company was ordered to pay for the restoration of the site they destroyed.