Stirling academic appointed to Scotland’s new environmental body

Leading environmental law expert Dr Annalisa Savaresi has been appointed as a member of Scotland’s new environmental body – Environmental Standards Scotland (ESS).

An image of a loch

Leading environmental law expert Dr Annalisa Savaresi has been appointed as a member of Scotland’s new environmental body – Environmental Standards Scotland (ESS).

The University of Stirling senior lecturer will serve on the Board of the ESS alongside Paul McAleavey, Richard Dixon, Marie Fallon and former Scottish Public Services Ombudsman, Jim Martin, who will also serve as ESS chair.

Legislation to establish ESS was approved by the Scottish Parliament on the 22 December, and a Parliamentary motion was passed on 23 December to endorse the establishment of ESS.

In January 2021, ESS will start operating on a non-statutory basis to prevent an environmental governance gap arising from the UK leaving the European Union.

When fully established as a statutory body, its proposed remit is to monitor and investigate public authorities’ compliance with environmental law, the ‘effectiveness’ of environmental law and how it is implemented and applied. It will also enforce environmental law by taking the steps it considers appropriate to secure public authorities’ compliance.

Annalisa Savaresi
Dr Annalisa Savaresi
Senior Lecturer in Environmental Law
I am delighted to have been selected to serve in one of the most important public bodies set up in Scotland since the Devolution settlement. I look forward to working with the ESS Board to support Scotland’s environmental ambitions.

Welcoming the nominations, Environment Secretary Roseanna Cunningham, said: “My intention is that Environmental Standards Scotland will be a strong, independent and effective governance body – and these nominations for appointment are the first step towards achieving this.

“Between them, Jim Martin and the other members being put forward have significant experience of leading independent, scrutiny organisations and across the environment sector and its regulatory frameworks, including particular experience in Europe.”

Dr Savaresi is a renowned expert in climate change law and the interplay between human rights and environmental law, with 20 years’ experience working with international and non-governmental organisations. She has contributed to numerous law and policy reports prepared for international organisations and governments and has given evidence to the UK, the EU and Scottish Parliaments. Currently a senior lecturer in Environmental Law at the University of Stirling, Dr Savaresi has taught in prestigious institutions all over the world.