Biodiversity and the Law is a timely and provocative volume that combines historical perspective and cutting-edge legal analysis in an authoritative and broad discussion. Leading legal and policy experts consider a variety of options for the worldwide protection of biodiversity and present a succinct but comprehensive overview of the legal mechanisms available. They examine how conservation advocates can better utilize existing law, and consider what new law is needed.

Among the topics covered are scientific and policy foundations of biodiversity protection; domestic efforts to establish an effective endangered species protection regime; international biodiversity protection; biodiversity as a genuinely public entity; and the future of biodiversity law.

In stimulating and wide-ranging essays, contributors explain the importance of biodiversity law as it relates to all aspects of everyday life, and explore its major scientific and legal angles. Throughout, they argue that the preservation of biodiversity, which by definition includes all species of life on Earth, should be recognized as the main objective of environmental law and policy.

Biodiversity and the Law is an important source of information for conservation advocates, agency personnel and other professionals who must understand and comply with existing law, students of law or wildlife management, and national and international policymakers and their staffs.