UNSW Law academics help launch million-dollar grant on the oceans

Our oceans are a global matter of concern.  Established protocols of governance are inadequate to deal with the complex set of challenges we are facing today, from habitat devastation to the multitude of effects attributable to climate change. UNSW Law’s Scientia Professor Rosemary Rayfuse and Associate Professor Lucas Lixinski are the only law partners involved in a multidisciplinary three-year project investigating themes around ocean governance - Representations, Resources and Regulatory Governance of the Oceans or ‘3ROceans’.

The AUD$1.5 million project, funded by the Norwegian Research Council, was formally launched at a conference on the Shetland Isles in Scotland from 21 – 23 September. The project is led by the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) in Trondheim.

Leading the legal investigation in governance and regulation of natural resources in the project, UNSW Law’s Professor Rosemary Rayfuse and Associate Professor Lucas Lixinski, attended the conference and participated in workshops discussing methods and concepts for a fruitful conversation.

"The workshop was essential to establish a shared language of engagement to ensure we understand each other and can collaborate to understand and contribute to solving the major issues facing our largest natural resource", said Lixinski.

A follow-up conference is planned for 2018, to be held at UNSW Law and solidifies the reputation, role and impact of our international law team in the 3ROcean project.

According to Professor Rayfuse, the next conference will focus on exploring in greater depth the relationship between international law and history, with respect to the oceans and ocean resources.

The 2018 event will be supported by UNSW Law's Workshop Support Scheme.