Exeter Centre for Environmental Law

ExCEL is involved in the following projects focusing on environmental law and policy:

• 'Cornwall and Isles of Scilly UNESCO Biosphere: Making it Happen Through Community and Policy Engagement' – University of Exeter Open Innovation Platform Link Fund in Partnership with Cornwall Voluntary Sector Forum, Dr Tiago de Melo Cartaxo (2026)
• 'Law and sustainability: building a strong partnership across the Channel' – Exeter – Université Paris-Saclay Strategic Partnership Seed Fund; Led by Dr Tiago de Melo Cartaxo and Prof Pauline Abadie (Paris-Saclay), with Professor Severine Saintier, Dr Isabelle Rueda, and Dr Swastee Ranjan (2025-2026)
• 'Developing co-created impact with the World Network of Biosphere Reserves,' 5th World Congress of Biosphere Reserves, in Hangzhou, China – ESRC – IAA Impact Cultivation Award, Dr Tiago de Melo Cartaxo (2025)
• Implementing and Regulating Nature Markets (ESI Incubator Project)  - University of Exeter’s Research and Impact Strategy, through the Environment and Sustainability Institute (2024-2025). Download the  Implementing and Regulating Nature Markets Policy Paper.
• ‘Revaluing Nature': Using bi-cultural law and craftivism in transformative environmental law learning, Association of Law Teachers Grant, Prof Caroline Keenan and Mr Tom Baycock (2025)
• Making Cornwall a Biosphere Reserve? Local, National and International Policymaking for Effective Governance in Biosphere Reserves - Research England Policy Support Fund (Dec 2022 - Jul 2023). Download feasibility report. Download policy brief.
• Research on the effectiveness of the local environmental compliance regime within Cornwall & the Isles of Scilly - Research England Open Innovation Collaboration Fund, with Cornwall Council (Dec 2022 - Dec 2023). Download report.
• ExCEL Interdisciplinary and External Network-Building Workshops - ADR Funding (Dec 2021 - Jul 2022)
• Future-proof Transdisciplinary Thinking in Environmental Law - NERC Discipline Hopping for Environmental Solutions Fund (Dec 2021 - Jul 2022)

Upcoming events

ExCEL host events in Exeter and Cornwall (e.g. conferences, research facilitation, PGR events, visiting speakers) as well as attend strategic events and activities, so members and associates can meet each other and share their ideas in person. Policy and funding-related training workshops and writing/research retreats are also in the planning.

Internship experience

Joseph, a second-year LLB Law with Business student at the University of Exeter, recently completed a research internship with the Exeter Centre for Environmental Law (ExCEL) under the supervision of Dr Chitzi Ogbumgbada, researching the environmental and humanitarian consequences of attacks on energy infrastructure during armed conflict.

Read Joseph's reflection on his experience.

Environmental Justice Café

ExCEL Environmental Justice Café: First Tuesday of the month

Previous Café topics

• Policy and Community Engagement for Sustainability in Pakistan, 10 March 2026: Samaviya Sajjad, Institute of Policy and Law Reform
• Teaching and Researching (African) Environmental Justice in the UK:  reflections, challenges and impact, 3 February 2026: Dr Eghosa Ekhator, University of Derby
• Valuation struggles and oil compromises among the Quichua people of the Lower Napo river (Ecuadorian Amazon), 9 November 2025: Julie Dayot, Exeter Business School
• Public Procurement and Sustainability: a European Perspective, 4 November 2025: Dr Jorge de Faria Lopes, Sérvulo & Associados & Católica University Portugal
• Transformative Constitutionalism, Environmental Education and the Environment - A South African Perspective, 7 October 2025: Dr Muhammad Sameer Kasker, University of the Western Cape
• Low-trophic Mariculture: Towards Regenerative Ocean farming in Norwegian Coastal Waters? Challenges and Opportunities from an Environmental Law Perspective, 15 May 2025: Mathilde Morel, UiT The Arctic University of Norway
  
• Canadian conservation law and transboundary species listings, 20 March 2025: Dr Greg Garrard, University of British Columbia Okanagan
• Rethinking the role of the consumer in a global economy: the power of choice as a “human right”?, 4 March 2025: Dr Sara Dal Monico, Ca’ Foscari University Venice
• A Speculative Approach To Environmental Legal Thinking, 11 February 2025: Dr Swastee Ranjan, Humanities and Social Sciences, Cornwall, University of Exeter
• Examining ways in which climate change adversely impacts women, 3 December 2024: Dr Pedi Obani, University of Bradford
• Environmental Justice on Small Pacific Islands, 5 November 2024: Bob Walley, University of Central Lancashire and University of Exeter
• A Practitioner’s Guide to Commencing a (planning) Judicial Review Claim, 7 May 2024: with Susan Ring, Goodenough Ring Solicitors
• Interaction in the UK Environmental Movement - The Role of Collective Identity, 5 March 2024: Sam Nadel, London School of Economics
• Interaction in the UK Environmental Movement - The Role of Collective Identity, 5 March 2024: Sam Nadel, London School of Economics
• Environmental (In)justice on Whipsiderry Beach, 6 February 2024: Leah Steward & Andrew Robey, Save Whipsiderry Cliffs
• Environmental histories at the 'edges' of the British Isles, 5 December 2023: Dr Timothy Cooper, Humanities and Social Sciences, Cornwall, University of Exeter
• From Environmental Justice to Resilience Justice, 3 October 2023: Professor Tony Arnold, Louis D. Brandeis School of Law, University of Louisville
• Circularity, Environment, Sustainability and Justice, 6 June 2023: Professor Séverine Saintier, University of Cardiff, and Dr Monica Vessio, University of Exeter Law School
• Understanding planning processes and institutional structures that impede and ‘weaponize’ planning interventions against historically marginalized communities, 4 April 2023: Professor Emmanuel Frimpong Boamah, University at Buffalo, School of Architecture and Planning
• Justice, sustainability, marine conservation and the governance of the commons, 7 March 2023: Professor Margherita Pieraccini, University of Bristol Law School
• (Biocultural) justice, lab grown food, bio-capitalism, digital biopiracy and contested frontiers of genetic extractivism, 7 February 2023: Dr Molly Bond, University of Exeter
• On-the-ground experiences with environmental injustice: violence against environmental and land defenders, 1 November 2022: Dr Mary Menton, NOT1MORE 
• An introduction to Environmental Justice, 4 September 2022: Professor Clare Saunders, Humanities and Social Sciences Cornwall

Other past events:

Roundtable on ‘The Nature Markets Framework: Implications for Business, Law and Technology Models’, in the Environment and Sustainability Institute, on 22nd July 2024 (supported by HaSS Cornwall Business Engagement & Innovation fund and the Environment and Sustainability Institute)

Together with the Environment and Sustainability Institute and the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, Cornwall, in the University of Exeter, we invited the industry, practitioners and academics for an informal discussion on themes around the Nature Markets Framework, such as stakeholders, players, market, triggers, collaboration, and timeframes, where we are, where we are going to, current business and technology models, regulatory frameworks and standards, future directions, opportunities for collaboration between the industries, practitioners, and academics. The discussion will inform future research plans in the areas of Law, Nature Markets and Green Finance.

Workshop on Interdisciplinary Explorations of Ecocide in Times of War and Peace, in the Environment and Sustainability Institute, on 28th June 2024 (supported by HaSS Cornwall Themed Research Clusters fund)

Together with the Environmental Justice Research Cluster of Humanities and Social Sciences, Cornwall, in the University of Exeter, the Exeter Centre for Environmental Law held a one-day workshop to explore the variety of socio-political, economic and legal dimensions of ecocide, especially as they relate to environmental justice claims. Recent events in various places in the world show that ecocide can happen in times of peace and war. The workshop brought together a range of international academics and activists to the University of Exeter’s Penryn Campus, in Cornwall, to discuss the concept, challenges of and cases of ecocide around the world. We were particularly interested in approaches to ecocide that looked at the crime through humanities and social sciences lenses prioritising historical and contemporary work on environmental and social justice movements, and the socio-political dimensions arising out of it. The papers presented in the workshop will now inform a future special feature in an international scientific journal. More information about the workshop here

‘Environmental Justice Chronicles: perspectives from Across the Earth’ Seminar, in the Exchange Building, Cornwall Campus, on 17th April 2024 (supported by HaSS Cornwall Themed Research Clusters fund)

Organised with the Environmental Justice Research Cluster of Humanities and Social Sciences, Cornwall, in the University of Exeter, this seminar involved talks from guest speakers about their direct experiences of environmental injustice and their work at redressing environmental justice, from different places around the world. The talks were followed by discussion and a creative exercise which helped all attendees explore ways in which HaSS Cornwall and ExCEL can conduct civically useful research that works towards environmental justice. To help with this activity, speakers provided photographs, sketches, and diagrams summarising their experiences and work around environmental injustice.

Interactive Workshop on Environmental Compliance and Enforcement in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, in the Exchange Building, Cornwall Campus, on 17th July 2023 (funded by the Research England Open Innovation Platform and Cornwall Council)

Together with the Cornwall Council, the Exeter Centre for Environmental Law hosted an interactive workshop with national and regional key stakeholders to support Research on the Effectiveness of the Local Environmental Compliance Regimes within Cornwall & the Isles of Scilly, for the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Local Nature Partnership (CIoS LNP). The event provided a detailed expression of stakeholder challenges, concerns, and effective practices with regard to the environmental compliance regimes currently in force in the region. The workshop was followed by informal discussions and one-to-one sessions with key stakeholders, which enabled further qualitative research and assisted in informing and directing the research for the final report, which will be made available by the CIoS LNP on their website in 2024.

Local and International Workshops on Mapping the Potential of Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly to Become a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, in the Environment and Sustainability Institute and Peter Lanyon Building, Cornwall Campus, on 23rd February and 29th March 2023 (supported by Research England Policy Support Fund)

Under the project funded by Research England Policy Support Fund on ‘Making Cornwall a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve’, two workshops were held: the first one dedicated to national experiences within the UK network of UNESCO Biospheres, such as North Devon and the Isle of Man, and showcasing good practices of sustainability in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly; and the second one focused on international experiences of UNESCO Biospheres, such as Austria, China, Costa Rica, Norway, Portugal, and Spain. The workshops were followed by a visit to the Isles of Scilly to engage with local stakeholders and good practices of business and sustainability, as well as one-to-one meetings with other stakeholders around the regions who did not have the opportunity to attend the workshops. These activities have fed a final feasibility report, which is available here

Contradictions of Space: Exploring the Dichotomy Between Legal and Ecological Borders to Improve Outlooks for Biodiversity, in the Environment and Sustainability Institute, on 29 July 2022 (funded by SSIS ADR Discretionary Research Fund).

The aim of the roundtable was to explore the relationship between law, the spaces it creates and the ecosystems that are affected by the delineated territories conceived through modern organising principles. In addition to the colleagues from Law, Biosciences, and Economics, Richard Broadband, who is the director at Freeth’s and previously worked as the head of legal department at Natural England, also attended the roundtable. Thomas Baycock, a PhD Student in Law at the University of Exeter, Penryn Campus, made a presentation and started the discussion. He explained the difference in environmental and ecological law and stressed the importance of eco-centric approach. The current legal system was criticized due to its anthropocentric conceptions of space. Especially, in terms of migratory and transboundary species, national borders do not overlap the ecological realities. All participants stressed there is a need for a cohesive and interconnected response, designed and agreed at an international level, for these are not problems that plague just one country, they are problems that pervade international society and ecosystems on a global scale.

Legal Aspects in Offshore Renewables, in the Environment and Sustainability Institute, on 22 July 2022 (funded by SSIS ADR Discretionary Research Fund).

The aim of the roundtable was to involve strategic external non-academic partners in offshore renewables sector. In addition to the colleagues from Law, Renewable Energy, Economics, and Energy Policy, two sector representatives from Celtic Sea Power and Oxygen House also attended the roundtable. Associate Professor Philipp Thies, from Renewable Energy, pointed out technical and legal challenges that the offshore industry tries to overcome. He stressed net benefit of the investments is key for the success, and the added lawyers should expose to engineering challenges as well as engineers should expose to legal challenges. Legal risks can only be properly understood if the area is assessed from a wholistic approach given there is multiple use of the sea in certain areas. Thereafter, Matt Hudson (Celtic Sea Power) and Matthew Gingell (Oxygen House) shared their ideas about the energy transition and current market conditions. They told British government bodies concerning offshore energy are keen to help to offshore investors and it is of great importance for a long-lasting success. They stressed the role of insurance companies and risk assessment process. There can be a need for a risk maturity model or a governmentally backed insurance system. Contract models for a more effective system can be though as well. After the valuable contributions of the stakeholders, Faruk Divarci, a PhD student in Law at the University of Exeter, Penryn Campus, made a presentation about the legal aspects in offshore renewables. The dynamic nature of the marine environment and offshore sector is underlined by the participants. In conclusion, we teased out from the stakeholders some insights about the various legal and policy challenges they experience in the context of environmental protection.

Eco-Law Café, in the Environment and Sustainability Institute, on 30 March 2022 (funded by NERC Hopping Interdisciplinary Fund).

The main aim of this networking event was to introduce the recently created ExCEL – Exeter Centre for Environmental Law to the academic community across campus, meeting new researchers who are interested in environmental legal issues and building a network under a semi-formal atmosphere for future transdisciplinary research work. Participants were from various disciplines, such as Politics, Law, Biosciences, and Geography. It was a great opportunity for us to make colleagues aware of the legal and policy implications of the work they do and a great start for long-term cross-disciplinary dialogue.

The Right to Repair: Future Proof Transdisciplinary Thinking in Environmental Law, in the Environment and Sustainability Institute, on 28 March 2022 (funded by NERC Hopping Interdisciplinary Fund).

We invited researchers based on their ongoing and projected research interests and activity. With a focus on circular economy, invited speakers Professor Stefano Pascucci and Professor Tapas Mallik presented short notes in which they discussed the various aspects of the right to repair, its different perspectives, ways of addressing its need and how law and other disciplines could enhance its implementation. After the initial presentations, participants raised several pertinent questions, such as what the exact definition of repair is or what the nature of the right to repair would be. Besides, practical issues were also discussed to an effective repair system could be established, e.g., based not only but also on legal and political instruments.