Pro Bono to Supports Ocean Protection
In today’s world, addressing environmental challenges requires the collective efforts of diverse stakeholders. We were glad to facilitate a partnership between Steptoe’s Brussels legal experts and the WWF European Policy Office to advance ocean protection policies within the European Union. This collaboration aimed to provide legal expertise to shape impactful policies through the creation of the ambitious “Ocean Deal”.
Highlighting the Urgency of Ocean Protection
Oceans are critical to life on Earth. They regulate climate, support biodiversity, and sustain livelihoods. Yet, they face severe threats from overfishing, pollution, and climate change. The WWF European Policy Office has long advocated for stronger legislative measures to safeguard oceans; their mission is clear: to promote sustainable practices and ensure oceans continue to thrive for generations to come.
Ahead of the EU elections, WWF sought to put ocean policies at the forefront of the European agenda. This required expert legal guidance to navigate the complexities of EU legislation and institutional frameworks.
Trusted Partners in Pro Bono
Counsel Byron Maniatis offered to connect WWF’s request with his colleagues at the Brussels office of Steptoe LLP, a global law firm recognised for its excellence in international legal services. Under the leadership of partner Eva Monard, a dedicated team was set up to include senior associate Zanda Romata and associate Roman Spangenberg: their expertise together with their personal commitment made this team the ideal partner for an initiative with this level of complexity.
Crafting a Blueprint for Change
Steptoe delivered a comprehensive memorandum tailored to WWF’s needs. This document achieved two key outcomes:
1) Legislative Analysis: the team provided an in-depth overview of existing EU laws and initiatives on ocean protection; this helped WWF identify areas requiring amendments, replacements, or complementary measures to build a robust “ocean package”.
2) Institutional Framework Guidance: the memorandum outlined strategies for effectively engaging EU institutions and positioning ocean policies prominently on the post-election agenda.
By leveraging their multidisciplinary expertise, the team of lawyers empowered WWF with actionable insights and practical solutions.
Results That Drive Advocacy
The pro bono deliverable equipped WWF with a solid foundation for their “Blue Deal” campaign. As Dr Antonia Leroy, Head of Ocean Policy at the European Policy Office, noted:
“The collaboration with Steptoe was very fruitful. They dedicated a lot of time to help us answer very challenging legal questions, providing thoughtful and timely solutions.”
Also Steptoe’s team found the project deeply fulfilling. Reflecting on the partnership, they remarked: “It was a great pleasure to assist WWF in the context of their pro bono project, and we are grateful to Pro Publico for having put us in touch.” Their dedication exemplifies how pro bono work not only benefits beneficiaries but also enriches providers by contributing to meaningful causes like this.
Are you a civil society organisation seeking expert support? Or a professional ready to volunteer your skills for a good cause? Submit your case or join our network today. Let’s work together to create a better world.
Thanks to @Byron Maniatis @Eva Monard @Zanda Romata @Roman Spangenberg @SteptoeLaw @WWF_EU @Dr Antonia Leroy @Francesco Zatelli @ProPublico
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