THE ROLE OF INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK IN REDRESSING THE CHALLENGES OF OIL SHALE AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCE

Abstract

The principle of sustainable development is an international environmental law principle that has become apparent in international environmental law scenes, to mitigate environmental pollution activities caused by industries and non-industrial activities. The principle of sustainable development which opines the sustainable utilization of environmental resources for the benefits of our future generation has been metered down by factors which discordant tunes developing countries and the quest for more energy. The quest for more energy has introduced a new phase of industrial activity which is the oil shale exploration. This paper examines the concept and impact of oil shale activities in the environment with a view to suggesting advance technology that are environmentally friendly as the shale industries continue to operate. The paper critically examines the following institutional framework governing best sustainable environmental principle, the Convention on Biological Diversity, the United Nation Framework for Combating Climate Change, the International Convention to Combat Desertification, the European Union Directives, the Environmental Impact Assessment Principle, and the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete Ozone Layer, and thereafter, recommends appropriate pragmatic and preventive policies and measures towards utilizations of sustainable environmental development in African to avoid significant opposition to oil shale operations because of social, fiscal and environmental concerns, governments should also consider fostering the creation of a regionally based organization dedicated to planning, oversight advice, and public participation in oil shale industry.