Autumn 2000

Since 1997, E-LAW U.S. has sent more than $1 million to grassroots environmental lawyers in less industrialized countries. Working with local advocates, E-LAW U.S. develops joint projects that help advocates tap the resources they need to protect the environment.

Dugongs are aquatic mammals that live in shallow coastal areas such as wide bays and mangrove channels, protected by nearshore islands. They are found in the warmer waters of the western Pacific and Indian Oceans. They closely resemble their slightly rounder cousins, the manatees — and both are sometimes called “sea cows” because of their tremendous size and placid movements.

Mark Chernaik, E-LAW U.S. Staff Scientist

"Mark Chernaik is the epitome of a public interest scientist," says Bern Johnson, E-LAW U.S. Executive Director. "He likes nothing better than using his scientific expertise to challenge environmental abuses."

Since joining E-LAW in 1992, Mark has given grassroots advocates all over the world critical support in hundreds of efforts to protect the environment. His work has contributed to major environmental victories, including landmark cases in the Philippines, India and Colombia.

Forty-five grassroots advocates from 27 countries participated in this year’s E-LAW Annual Meeting (July 26-28), hosted by the Lawyers’ Environmental Action Team in Arusha, Tanzania.

E-LAW advocates participated in work sessions on reducing air and water pollution, controlling toxic pesticides, increasing public participation in environmental decision making, and gaining access to environmental justice. They bolstered their electronic communication skills, learned about raising funds for their organizations and built the human connections that make the E-LAW network strong.

Uganda

In July, E-LAW U.S. Staff Attorney Jennifer Gleason and Communications Director Maggie Keenan visited Kampala, Uganda, en route to the E-LAW annual meeting in Arusha, Tanzania. Maggie was pleased to return to Uganda, where she lived from 1995-1999.

Russia’s Environmental Crisis