This training course equips learners with practical knowledge of the legal tools and mechanisms essential for protecting the right to a healthy environment.

It is designed for lawyers and is available through the Georgian Bar Association’s learning platform. At the same time, its contents are open to all interested individuals seeking to deepen their understanding of environmental justice.

Georgia has an established legal framework in this area. However, a 2023 study conducted by UNDP revealed that low awareness and systemic barriers continue to hinder the effective realisation of citizens’ rights.

This learning module was developed in response to these challenges, with the support of the German Government, within UNDP’s project “Improving the Rule of Law and Access to Justice for All”. 

The course comprises nine thematic reading materials that can be downloaded from this page and 12 video lectures available on UNDP Georgia’s YouTube channel.

Contents:

Introduction

Video:

• Introduction to the Learning Module

Fundamentals of Environmental Law

Videos:

• Introduction to Environmental Law
• The Tragedy of the Commons
• Balancing Interests in Environmental Law
• The Triple Planetary Crisis

Reading:

• A Brief History of Environmental Law

Principles of Environmental Law

Video:

• Principles of Environmental Law

Reading: 

• Case Law Practice

The Right to Live in a Healthy Environment

Video:

• The Right to a Healthy Environment

Reading: 

• Case Law of the European Court of Human Rights

Environmental Procedural Rights

Video:

• The Aarhus Convention

Reading:

• Access to Environmental Information

Video:

• Participation in Decision-making

Reading:

• Public Participation in Environmental Decision-making

Videos:

• Participation in Public Hearings
• Access to Justice

Reading:

• Landmark Court Decisions
• Evidence in Environmental Cases
• Non-judicial Mechanisms for Rights Protection

Enforcement of Environmental Law

Videos:

• The Enforcement Pyramid

Reading:

• Key Institutional Roles in Environmental Protection

Video:

• Environmental Liability