Ed Couzens specializes in water security and international wildlife law and is an Associate Professor at the University of Sydney, NSW, where he has dedicated himself to Environmental causes. He has been the editor of two dozen books involving environmental law and threatened species, and has written chapters in over 21 environmental and conservationist-themed books on a broad range of topics. His work has appeared in over two dozen journals. At present, 19 examples of his research papers appear published on researchgate.
To begin, both Whales and Elephants are somewhat emblemic animals of the conservation movement. Couzens explores the history of their conservation in this fascinating read, as well as creating detailed comparisons of their treatments and the history of international governance involving their protection. Both species arguably play keystone or super-keystone roles in their environments. Both would be considered especially intelligent and sensitive. As well, to quote Couzens, "both have experienced near-catastrophic population declines due to overuse by humans and both have come, over time, to be given relatively stringent protection in international law."
In Whales and Elephants, Couzens introduces CITES, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species, discussing how it impacts wildlife flora and fauna. He also introduces ICRW, the International Convention for the Regulation of Whaling. He then quite deftly explains why both these treaties are inadequate in protecting the two large mammal species in question.
His book also explains how both these species have reached a similar point "within International law, despite these species having inherently different status either as free-for-taking (whales) or as falling into the dominion of states (elephants)." Couzens demonstrates here that both these major treaties that seem intended to cover the security of these species are currently inadequate instead. In particular, both treaties fail to consider the ecosystems in which the species live. Other features render them not strong enough for states to generate adequate protection. Remarks Couzens, "the world needs to move away from managing and/or protecting species in isolation and to move towards understanding, managing and protecting species within their ecosystems in a holistic fashion." Other features render current treaties not strong enough for states to generate adequate protection. Both conservationists, (sustainable use) and proponents of preservation (near-complete protection) agree the treaties are inadequate. Couzens proposes instead a multilateral environmental agreements used together synergistically, offering a convincing argument throughout the course of the book.
The rest of the book outlines solutions and discusses the alliances and work done in the past around such delicate things as the ivory trade and whaling. It is an interesting voyage into the world of diplomacy and environmental law negotiations and treaties in general. Fascinating politics and an interesting read (with a few star players and unsung heroes along the way) the fresh approach Couzens proposes is argued convincingly as he takes us through the complex interconnected ecosystems involved in the protection of Whales and Elelphants. Recommended.
Couzens, E. (2016). Whales and elephants in International Conservation Law and Politics: A Comparative Study. Routledge.
