By Lalaina Rakotoson (Posted: March 29, 2013)
From March 20-23, 2013, Ritwick Dutta of LIFE/Access Initiative India visited Madagascar, in response to an invitation from DELC/Access Initiative Madagascar. The trip and program were supported by GIZ, the German Cooperation through itsCivil Society Organizations Program. The objective of the visit was to share India’s experience on Green Tribunal, drawing lessons for Madagascar in its earlier process to establish a Green Tribunal.
The first two days were focused on training CSO representatives from all over Madagascar. Trainers included Ritwick, Lalaina, and four other Malagasy environmental lawyers. Training subjects included overview of Malagasy legal system, Common Law vs. Civil Law systems, national and international environmental law, Court procedures, international environmental disputes, and the experience of India on the establishment of Green Tribunal. A public conference-debate about “Green Tribunal and Madagascar special Court for Rosewood and Ebony” was held on the afternoon of March 22,2013 at Ibis Hotel, Antananarivo. Representatives from the Government, Civil Society Organizations, and NGOs were invited to attend the conference . We are grateful to Madagascar GIZ- Environment Program for supporting such important mission for Madagascar, and Ritwick for coming to Madagascar to share his experience in India. This South-South cooperation will be extended to other subjects such as extractive industries.
Lalaina Rakotoson National Coordinator, Access Initiative, Madagascar
For more photos of the Training and Conference click here
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