In a significant move towards environmental rights and sustainable development in the mining sector, Defend the Environment and Metassebia Law Group LLP (MLG) have agreed to collaborate on promoting environmental rights and advocating legal compatibility in the mining industry.
The two organizations have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that outlines their joint efforts to leverage their respective expertise and resources to address the environmental challenges posed by mining operations.
According to the MOU Defend the Environment, which is dedicated to environmental rights, will provide the MLG with relevant researches, reports, and data in relation to environmental rights and protections in Ethiopia. The MLG, in turn, will analyze all relevant data other regulatory frameworks and provide legal outputs in an effort to secure environmental compliance of mining companies.
The partnership will also involve the MLG and Defend the Environment in providing joint researches and studies on matters related to mining regulations, environmental laws, and legal strategies for promoting environmental compatibility in the mining sector. The result of these joint studies will then be helpful to advocate for stronger environmental regulations and promote responsible mining practices.
Furthermore, the MOU outlines plans for capacity building and knowledge sharing. The MLG will conduct training sessions and workshops on the legal aspects of mining operations and environmental compliance. In turn, Defend the Environment will facilitate the disseminating of these legal insights and best practices through conferences, seminars, and webinars.
Importantly, the two organizations have also agreed to join efforts in public interest litigation cases that may arise as a result of their research-based demands.
“This partnership represents a significant step forward in our efforts to protect the environment and promote sustainable development,” said the Melkamu Ogo, Board Chairperson of Defend the Environment. “By combining these efforts in environmental rights and mining expertise, we are confident that we can drive meaningful change in the mining industry.”
The MLG’s managing partner, Metassebia Hailu echoed these sentiments, stating, “We are committed to using our legal expertise to support the mission of Defend the Environment and help create a more environmentally compatible mining industry. This collaboration is a testament to our shared values and the importance of cross-sector cooperation in addressing complex environmental challenges through our GREEN Initiative.”
MLG Communications Team