Conference Agenda

This panel explores the foundational principles of deep ecology, as articulated by Arne Næss, and examines their relevance for contemporary sustainability challenges. Hosted at the university where Næss founded the Centre for Development and Environment (SUM), now part of the Centre for Global Sustainability, the session will begin with an introduction to Næss's philosophy, the history of SUM/GLOBE, and the development of the Arne Næss Programme. Panelists will then engage in a dialogue on the necessity of interdisciplinary approaches in environmental governance, with a particular focus on water law and resource management. The discussion will highlight the integration of Indigenous perspectives, emphasizing the concept of identity between human beings and nature as understood in Sámi and other Indigenous cultures.

This panel addresses recent attempts to turn this trend, with focus on the close relationship between the right to water, food, health and environment in human rights discourse, the FAO-led global water tenure dialogue, and national laws and policies. How these initiatives may ensure that the customary water norms and institutions, that constitute the key elements in the realization of food and health security and poverty reduction are respected and protected, is discussed. In the context of climate change: What are the states’ duties to promote and protect vulnerable groups’ rights to water, health, food and environment? What are the positive measures that should be taken to guarantee the availability and accessibility of those rights, especially during times of scarcity? How to ensure that climate change mitigation and adaptation programs in sectors such as agricultural production and clean energy are balanced against rural small-scale farmers’ and pastoralists’ land and water rights? How can a human rights approach to water be strengthened to respond to the growing uncertainties of floods and droughts? What kind of national legislation is needed to ensure water security for small scale users who rely on customary water norms in times of increasing scarcity and competition?