ELAW Partners Then & Now

30 years ago, grassroots advocates from 10 countries agreed to help each other protect communities and the environment through law. They launched ELAW. Today, we collaborate with hundreds of grassroots advocates in more than 80 countries, helping them win lasting victories building a just future. Please follow us on Facebook and Twitter as we share stories of some of our early members.

 

Meena Raman has been collaborating with ELAW since 1989. Today, she is President of Sahabat Alam Malaysia – SAM, an award-winning organization protecting Indigenous peoples and tropical rainforests. “ELAW played a critical role in my journey as a young lawyer, representing local communities and grassroots groups facing big corporations supported by government.”

ELAW has made it possible to network with people who otherwise lack the resources. The ability to cite scientific evidence from around the world allows for robust debate and helps shape policy. – Ipat Luna

Maria Paz “Ipat” Luna began collaborating with ELAW in 1992. She was an attorney working with one of the Philippines first environmental organizations – Tanggol Kalikasan. She handled a case on behalf of fisherfolk suffering from an oil spill and the oil industry’s use of chemical dispersants. This was the first time fisherfolk successfully filed suit and opened the door for other fishing communities seeking justice from environmental abuse. Ipat is currently working as Consultant to Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda, Philippine Congress.

 

Prakash Mani Sharma has been collaborating with ELAW since 1997. His organization, Pro Public, has initiated more than 100 public interest environmental cases in the Supreme Court, and won many victories. “ELAW has been instrumental,” says Prakash.”

Join us over the next month on Facebook and Twitter as we highlight the amazing trajectories of dedicated environmental defenders in the ELAW network!

Colleen Keane
Network Support Coordinator
Environmental Law Alliance Worldwide