About Us

The Foundation for International Environmental Law and Development was founded in London in 1989 by a small group of international lawyers. The result is a vibrant and thriving organisation whose advice and assistance are sought by governments, inter-governmental and non-governmental organisations world-wide.

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Our Vision

A fair, effective and accessible system of international law that protects the global environment and promotes sustainable development

Our Mission

• To apply and progressively develop international laws as a means of protecting the environment; and
• To broaden access to environmental justice through the rules and institutions of international law

Who we are

FIELD is a non-governmental organisation bringing together public international lawyers committed to the promotion of environmental protection and sustainable development through law.

FIELD has charitable (not-for-profit) status and, wherever possible, we provide our services on a pro bono basis, deriving income from foundation grants, governmental institutions and fee-paying clients. Our registered charity number is 802 934.

What we do

FIELD promotes:

• the development of the law through research
• the dissemination of the law through teaching, training and publishing
• the application of the law through advocacy, advice and assistance

In addition to a large and varied portfolio of projects across many areas of sustainable development, FIELD has three core programmes covering:

• Biodiversity and Marine Resources
• Climate Change and Energy
• Trade, Investment and Sustainable Development

An essential aspect of FIELD's work across these programmes is its commitment to strengthening capacity, particularly in developing and transition countries.

FIELD's Internship Programme trains law students from around the world, who work closely with FIELD lawyers and staff in every facet of the organisation's work.

FIELD staff are also actively engaged in teaching, particularly in association with University College London's Centre for Law and the Environment, and in the design and execution of training materials for use by universities and governments and by national and international institutions.

Collaboration

FIELD's London-based lawyers are drawn from a wide range of legal and cultural backgrounds. They are supported by an expert administrative team, and an extensive network of advisors and associates throughout the world. FIELD pursues its objectives in cooperation with local partners and national and international organisations both in the North and the South.

In April 2005, FIELD became a subsidiary of the International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED). FIELD remains an independent charitable organisation while sharing offices, core services and a Board of Trustees with IIED. The alliance allows close collaboration between the two organisations: FIELD's expertise in law and advocacy complements IIED's experience in social, political and economic sciences. For more information on IIED, click here.

Funders

FIELD would like to thank the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation, The Rufford Maurice Laing Foundation and The John Ellerman Foundation for their invaluable support to the development of FIELD's core programme areas.

Confidentiality

In tandem with an overall commitment to transparency, FIELD recognises that there will be instances where its advice to partners and clients should remain confidential and will not refer to such cases in its information and fundraising activities.

Contact

Click here for our contact details.

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