Bestuur
Vol 14, No 1 (2026): Article in Press: Bestuur

Rethinking Global Institutions in Environmental Protection: Guardians or Bystanders?

Khater, Maya (Unknown)
Alkaabi, Aishah (Unknown)
Qutieshat, Enas (Unknown)
Alameri, Maitha (Unknown)
Alkaabi, Hamda (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
02 Feb 2026

Abstract

Global environmental degradation, driven by climate change, resource overexploitation, and rapid urban expansion, challenges the effectiveness of international institutions in functioning as genuine guardians rather than passive bystanders in environmental protection. This study critically examines the role of international organizations by analyzing their legal and institutional frameworks, evaluating their practical performance, identifying key implementation constraints, and formulating reform-oriented measures. The research applies a descriptive, analytical, critical, and inductive approach through a systematic assessment of international legal instruments, institutional practices, and relevant scholarly discourse. The study finds that environmental degradation continues to intensify despite the proliferation of international agreements, indicating a persistent gap between normative commitments and practical outcomes. Limited national capacities, weak coordination among international institutions, and the absence of effective enforcement mechanisms significantly undermine institutional effectiveness. Consequently, many international obligations operate at a formal level without achieving substantive implementation. The study concludes that strengthening international environmental governance requires comprehensive legal and institutional reforms that enhance compliance, improve coordination, and ensure effective enforcement of environmental obligations.

Copyrights © 2026






Journal Info

Abbrev

bestuur

Publisher

Subject

Humanities Environmental Science Law, Crime, Criminology & Criminal Justice Public Health Social Sciences

Description

The focus of BESTUUR is publishing the manuscript of outcome study, and conceptual ideas which specific in the sector of Administrative Law. BESTUUR aims to provide a forum for lectures and researchers on applied law science to publish the original articles. The scope of BESTUUR interested in topics ...