H2OLAW conference: Law-science interfaces within the law of the sea and fresh water law
On 26 and 27 September 2024, Leiden University's Grotius Centre for International Legal Studies hosted the H2OLAW conference entitled 'Law-science interfaces within the law of the sea and fresh water law’. The conference marked the launch of a multi-year research project led by Dr Hilde Woker and Dr Jason Rudall, funded by a Dutch government starter grant.
The conference started with an inspiring keynote address by Tomas Heidar, President of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS). Drawing on ITLOS case law, Judge Heidar examined the intersections between science and the law of the sea, setting an engaging tone for the discussion that followed. Over the two-day conference, the speakers delved into pressing, topical issues including marine pollution, biodiversity, access to and exploitation of natural resources, maritime delimitation and climate change. The sessions sparked meaningful engagement with the audience – which was comprised of experts in the field, academics and students – and introduced new perspectives on the emerging challenges.
The conference concluded with a delightful boat tour around Leiden's canals. The event successfully brought together researchers from the fields of law of the sea and fresh water law who recognise the significant role of law and science in shaping the sustainable management of natural resources. The speakers travelled from across the world to attend the conference, and their professional diversity illustrated the common law-science challenges in salt water and fresh water governance, emphasising the need for coordinated solutions despite the differences between the two legal systems. By laying the foundation for future collaboration, the H2OLAW conference marked a significant step towards better exchange, collaboration and integration between the law of the sea and fresh water law.
We would like to thank all speakers, participants and moderators for their valuable contributions to this event and look forward to continuing this dialogue in the years ahead.