1. What do you most admire about the law?
The sheer authority of the law! A change in the law should bring about a definitive change in the world around us. What I appreciate is that it can adapt to new times and changing values. A clear framework being made, criticised, and then remade for improvement, results in a consistently improving world.
2. What motivated you to start your platform/ What issues did you look to resolve when starting it?
My professor at QMUL, Prof Fitzmaurice has been my inspiration. I read books written by her as an undergraduate student and being taught by her as a post-graduate student, was indeed a dream come true.
The creation of the name was indeed like a Kubla Khan dream, it just clicked. Eco-LAW-gy!
A lot has been happening which has changed the environmental dynamics of the world and we believe these can be documented in a fascinating fashion to spread environmental awareness.
To emphasise the importance of a robust legislative framework, we dig deeper, we write about laws, thus spreading awareness and potentially contributing to the definitive change.
Also… this is not just another legal blog
We encourage people to come forward and talk about fresh ideas, innovative conservation techniques, anything. For example, when I was trying to advocate de-extinction as a legitimate conservation technique, it was considered as ‘sci fi’, but I guess that in the present circumstance, that can well be a reality. I want to encourage young thinkers to think out of the box. Get in touch if you have ideas- We shall talk.
3. Can you describe your platform in 3 words?
Innovative
We offer fresh content from the environmental legal angle. We are approaching this from the perspective of conservation and/or preservation of the environment and a platform dedicated to discussions exclusively on environmental legal aspects can be termed “new”.
Accepting.
We strongly encourage writers to offer their own ideas and opinions in articles, irrespective of the stage of career they are in. Ideas which are powerful and thought-provoking are welcome.
Honest.
We are talking about the flaws in the policies, the loopholes in the laws and we applaud the great work when done and we write about the improvements.
4. What do you aim to achieve by the end of 2020?
With just 3 months for 2020, we aim to release a second magazine within the next few months. On our magazine we highlight the most pressing issues facing the environment. We also aim to enhance our network as we are looking to collaborate with environmentalists- from prominent environmental lawyers to indigenous people who work for the environment. Further to this, we want to increase our roster of writers and editors to further diversify our content and provide opinions from those from different walks off life.
Check out our website: https://www.ecolawgy.net/
I want to talk about issues which are typically not mainstream, alongside very relevant and talked about issues. For example, I want to talk about the alleged bird suicides in Jatinga, Assam to clean energy policies!
5. What are your long-term goals for this platform?
If we talk long term, in another half a decade, I see Ecolawgy having turned into one of the major points of contact for connecting with environmentalists from all walks of life. We wish to connect to more innovators who are working in this field so that effective dialogues can be initiated on unresolved issues. The environment is constantly changing and as we hope it will improve, we aim to provide updates tracking the latest developments. We want to increase our global reach and allow for our content to be more reflective of international communities. We also aim for more people to consider environmental law as a viable area of practice. Environmental concerns within planning and construction law are currently held to a higher regard than social and economic factors. Lawyers now need to think of how the construction of a building could affect emissions and established wildlife. Further to this, there is also a consideration needed to how energy-efficient buildings can be, with mandatory features required for sustainability.
6. Where can I find out more about your platform?
Our Instagram is where we provide a concise analysis of various environmental issues, it is a great way for you to consolidate your understanding and reflect upon the issues mentioned in our articles. We use LinkedIn to promote our content too and you can follow us there to keep up to date with our latest work.
7. What is the best law-related show/movie that you have watched?
…And Justice for all. Al Pacino, what not to love? This got me fascinated with the dynamics within a courtroom and the entire satirical drama in a corrupt legal world, this inspired me to take up law.
The movie was nominated for 2 academy awards, including for best leading actor. Pacino’s performance included the iconic courtroom scene "You're out of order! You're out of order! The whole trial is out of order! They're out of order!".
But it was a non-legal movie which got me interested in environmental law! It’s Jurassic Park, de-extinction and why “extinct animals don’t have rights”.
8. What area of law would you like to specialise in, and why?
I like the academic side of the law.
I specialise in Public International law, specifically Nuclear law, that being my area of the dissertation as well. I have an interest in the recent developments in IA technology where robots are being considered to be used to quell riots. I feel that the legal, and specifically human right implications concerning their judgment and methods will be heavily scrutinised and challenged. I am trying to research on alternate views pertaining to the same.
9. What is the best thing that has happened in your journey so far?
When starting this platform, I wanted to provide a space for people who value the environment to connect and share ideas, the growth we have seen in the first few months of operating is encouraging. Our platform has enabled individuals to connect and share their ideas and concerns. I have enjoyed working with such a broad range of talent, which has reflected through in the quality of our content. Everyone is able to contribute from different perspectives on the common goal of protecting our environment. The feedback to this initiative has also been very good, we have been encouraged to continue expanding by those who value what we do. Additionally, if you asked me what the single best thing that has happened in this journey, it is the webzine. From collaborating with a famous wildlife photographer, artists, environmental legal analysts and content curators, the experience has been enriching.