The Convention on Biological Diversity and Conservation and Sustainable Use of Migratory Elephants in Neighboring East African States (Kenya and Tanzania)

Abstract

"This research paper focuses on the issue between Kenya and Tanzania as a test-case to explore the validity of the criticisms that have been leveled against the convention. By so doing I intend to assess the adequacy of the convention as an instrument aimed at enhancing conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity. Hey (1995) summarizes the convention as substantively and procedurally weak. Substantively, it allows rather than requires certain policies; procedurally, it fails to provide effective methods for enhancing the accountability of the different actors involved. The 'authoritativeness' of the convention, in the sense of imposing precise rules of conduct in matters of conservation and 'sustainable' use of biological diversity has also been challenged. I focus on specific articles and provisions in the convention that are of direct relevance to the issue under study."