Pacific Judges convene in Palau to tackle environmental law challenges

The Pacific Judicial Council recently held its Environmental Law & Science Conference in Palau, gathering legal experts, environmental scientists, and Pacific leaders to address urgent environmental challenges.

“As guardians of justice, we have a solemn duty to uphold laws that safeguard our natural resources, protect vulnerable communities, and support responsible development,” said PJC President Chief Justice Robert J. Torres in his opening remarks.

“This conference represents our collective commitment to that vision—a commitment to protect our lands and waters for generations to come,” Torres added.

The conference, organized by Justice F. Philip Carbullido, on behalf of the PJC education committee, explored climate science, ocean governance, island sustainability, fisheries, coral reef preservation, and marine pollution.

The Honorable M. Margaret McKeown, Senior Circuit Judge for the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, spoke on recent U.S. Supreme Court environmental rulings, while the Honorable Michael Mosman, Senior District Judge of the U.S. District Court for the District of Oregon, provided a primer on environmental science in court litigation.

Dr. Bob Richmond from the University of Hawaii at Manoa led a session on marine pollution laws, and Dr. Nicole Yamase, Director of Impact at OneReef Micronesia, discussed the critical role of Indigenous practices in strengthening Pacific Island ecosystems.

Through events like this, the Pacific Judicial Council fosters regional dialogue on sustainability, environmental law, and the protection of cultural traditions.

Also in attendance was Lieutenant Governor of Guam Joshua F. Tenorio who served as the conference’s keynote speaker.

The Pacific Judicial Council unites judicial branches across the Pacific to encourage dialogue on matters of common interest, including continuing legal education, preservation of custom and tradition within judicial systems, coordination with law enforcement, public education on substance abuse and domestic relations, and judicial administration.