Course info

The course on International Law of Natural Resources has been designed to equip the student with the skills to analyze the theory of international natural resources law and its practical application through a critical assessment of relevant literature and the jurisprudence of international courts and tribunals.

The course begins by dealing with the fundamental notion of and general issues in international natural resources law and then delves deep into some specific issues relating to the management of natural resources. 

The main objective of the course is to provide an introduction to the fundamental concepts and specific legal and jurisdictional issues in the field of international and trans-boundary natural resources. The emphasis is on ensuring a proper understanding of the existing legal mechanisms and international regimes applicable to various types of natural resources located beyond States’ jurisdiction or control.

This course examines the relationship between the institutions that govern foreign investment, sustainable development, and the rules and regulations that administer natural resources. The students will explore how investment and natural resources come together to achieve sustainable development in developing countries, with examples from water, oil and gas, renewable energy, minerals, agriculture and carbon trading. Several themes consider the linkages between natural resources, investment and sustainability. Specifically, transparency, good governance and citizen empowerment are vital conditions that encourage positive social, economic and environmental outcomes for developing countries. The course also provides new insights on international law concepts such as sovereign rights and state responsibility principles.