The Role Of Ngos In The Process Of Ensuring Compliance With Meas

Abstract

This chapter concentrates on the role of Non-governmental Organizations (NGOs) in the process of assuring compliance with multilateral environmental agreements (MEAs). It seems evident that the present role of NGOs in the compliance of international environmental law is already considerable; but in respect of the still remaining deficit as to the compliance with international environmental law obligations, further steps towards a stronger involvement of NGOs in the enforcement process have to be discussed. Thus, the chapter not only presents some aspects of the current situation, but also tries to develop some prospects with regard to the future, in consideration of the conditions for a useful and legitimate further involvement of NGOs in the enforcement of MEAs. The basis for these reflections is a very short presentation of the legal basis in international law for the role of NGOs. Keywords: compliance control; enforcement process; international environmental law; multilateral environmental agreements (MEAs); Non-governmental Organizations (NGOs)