Environmental Justice in Developing Countries : Perspectives from Africa and Asia-Pacific

The core of this book engages with the application of the elements of environmental justice to developing countries, both substantive and procedural, namely access to environmental information, the right to participate in the decision-making processes and access to justice in environmental matters. The book critically analyses the evolution and theoretical underpinnings of environmental justice as well as its growing recognition under international law by drawing on key comparative insights from Africa (Nigeria and South Africa) and Asia-Pacific (India and Papua New Guinea).

The evolving environmental justice paradigm is conceptualized differently based on political, economic and historical factors. In developed countries, emphasis is placed on the role of individuals in environmental decision-making and the protection of their access to the prerequisite environmental information and capacity to challenge environmental decisions is the main focus. However, in developing countries, access to land and natural resources are considered integral elements of environmental justice paradigm.

This book focuses on the conceptualization, recognition and protection of environmental justice in developing countries. It explores the situation by engaging an analytical discourse of relevant legal provisions in four case study countries including Nigeria, South Africa, India and Papua New Guinea. The comparative analysis of environmental justice in these countries present a framework within which to appreciate the conceptualization of the environmental justice paradigm