Environmental Law in Arab States

Abstract

Environmental Law in Arab States offers a comprehensive and authoritative account of the guiding principles and rules relating to environmental protection in the Arab region. The book introduces readers to the latest developments of environmental law across the Arab region, including the applicable legislation, governance structures, and legal innovations in each of the major areas of environmental regulation, including air pollution, water pollution, biodiversity, conservation of nature and cultural heritage, chemicals and waste management, construction and infrastructure development, and Islamic ecology. Yet this book is not simply a stock-taking exercise. It also outlines participatory and bottom-up legal strategies—focusing on transparency, accountability, gender justice, human rights safeguards, and regional cooperation—needed to achieve greater coherence and coordination in the implementation and enforcement of environmental regulation across the region. The book also provides legal assessments and reflections on how Arab countries can advance existing national strategies and visions on trade and investment, green growth, Islamic green finance, circular economy, blue economy, and low carbon future among others, through clear and comprehensive legislation. Taking an international and comparative approach, this text is an essential reference and textbook for students, academics, and practitioners who work in the areas of environmental law and policy, human rights, sustainable development, political ecology, environmental diplomacy, and environmental studies, particularly area studies on the Middle East, Africa, and West Asia.