Inside E-LAW U.S.: Michael Zschiesche, SBDA Directors, Chinese attorneys

Working Exchange Fellow: Michael Zschiesche, Germany

Michael, Birgit, Cora and Julian

Michael Zschiesche has worked to protect the environment through law in Germany for many years. He traveled to Eugene in June for an 8-week Working Exchange Fellowship at E-LAW U.S. He was joined by his wife Birgit, and their two children, Cora (3 yrs.) and Julian (1 yr.).

Michael directs the Environmental Law Division of the Independent Institute for Environmental Concerns (UfU) in Berlin. UfU was founded in 1989 by 40 scientists seeking to protect and restore Germany`s ecological balance. UfU promotes public participation, social equity, and economic stability. Michael is one of two lawyers on staff.

During his fellowship at E-LAW U.S., Michael worked with E-LAW U.S. Staff Attorney, Jennifer Gleason, to learn about U.S. law and the environmental impact assessment (EIA) process. He also learned more about the work of E-LAW and vowed to get more German attorneys engaged in the E-LAW network to help colleagues in less industrialized nations.

Michael is a good role model. Through UfU, he has reached out to grassroots advocates in Vietnam to enhance public participation in that nation`s environmental decision making. Under Michael`s direction, the Aarhus Convention is now available in Vietnamese and partners in Vietnam are working to ensure public participation in Vietnam`s EIA process.

In the future, UfU plans to create an education center in Vietnam where citizens can learn about the pressing environmental issues facing their nation.

While in Eugene, Michael improved his English through an intensive program at the University of Oregon`s American English Institute. He said, "It will be easier for me to collaborate with E-LAW advocates in the U.K. We would like to work together to bring more western Europeans into the E-LAW network."

Study Tour from China

Attorneys Xiang Liu and Hongda Lu visited E-LAW U.S. in May and gathered scientific support for their work cleaning up toxic air emissions from tanneries and other industries in China. Mr. Liu is a lecturer at the China Environment Management Training School. Mr. Lu helped found the Center for Legal Assistance to Pollution Victims, an organization of Chinese lawyers providing pro bono support to citizens. Mr. Liu and Mr. Lu`s visit was part of a 21-day U.S. study tour sponsored by the U.S. State Department.

SBDA Directors Visit E-LAW U.S.

Diego Gutierrez (left) and Mauricio Aguilera

Diego Gutierrez is the Executive Director of Sociedad Boliviana de Derecho Ambiental (SBDA). He traveled to Eugene in June with Mauricio Aguilera, SBDA Administrative Director. SBDA is an emerging, critical force in protecting Bolivia`s forests. Diego and Mauricio participated in a six-week Working Exchange Fellowship at E-LAW U.S. to build the capacity of SBDA to protect the environment through law in Bolivia. They learned about public interest environmental law in the U.S. and worked with E-LAW U.S. Associate Director, Lori Maddox, and Communications Director, Maggie Keenan, to strengthen SBDA`s strategic planning, board development, fundraising, media outreach, and advocacy. At the end of their fellowship, they traveled to Chicago, New York, and Washington D.C. with E-LAW U.S. Executive Director, Bern Johnson, to meet with U.S.-based grantmakers.

Thanks!

Matt, Sarah and Rebecca

Volunteers and interns provide invaluable help to E-LAW U.S. and grassroots advocates around the world. Photographed here are (left to right): Matt Wibbenmeyer, Sarah Piazza, and Rebecca Noblin.