DOCTOR OF LAWS (HONORIS CAUSA)
Nelson Mandela University is honoured to confer the Honorary Doctor of Laws upon Professor David Richard Boyd in recognition of his exceptional contributions as an environmental lawyer, scholar, and advocate for human rights. His expertise and dedication to the intersection of environmental sustainability and human well-being have shaped global policies, legal frameworks, and academic discourse.
Professor Boyd serves as an Associate Professor of Law, Policy, and Sustainability at the University of British Columbia, where his research focuses on the legal and ethical dimensions of environmental protection. He holds a PhD in Resource Management and Environmental Studies and a Juris Doctor degree, equipping him with a strong foundation in both environmental science and law. His academic contributions have deepened global understanding of the inextricable links between environmental sustainability and fundamental human rights.
From 2018 to 2024, Professor Boyd held the esteemed position of United Nations Special Rapporteur on Human Rights and the Environment. In this role, he played a pivotal part in advocating for the recognition of a healthy environment as a fundamental human right, which was finally recognised by the UN General Assembly in 2022. His reports to the UN addressed urgent environmental challenges, including climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution, highlighting their devastating impact on human rights, such as the rights to life, health, food, water, and sanitation. As Special Rapporteur Boyd also participated in 15 lawsuits at the national, regional and global levels, supporting the effective interpretation and implementation of the right to a healthy environment. His work has significantly influenced both national and international policies and legal frameworks, reinforcing the principle that environmental protection is a prerequisite for human dignity and sustainable development.
Professor Boyd is also a prolific and highly respected author. His extensive body of work includes numerous books, research papers, and policy briefs that have shaped global discussions on environmental law and human rights. His book, The Environmental Rights Revolution: A Global Study of Constitutions, Human Rights, and the Environment, is widely regarded as a seminal work in the field, providing a comprehensive analysis of the constitutional recognition of environmental rights worldwide. Through his scholarly contributions, he has provided critical insights into the role of legal systems in safeguarding both people and the planet.
Beyond academia, Professor Boyd has been deeply involved in environmental advocacy and policy development. He has worked closely with governments, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and local communities to advance sustainable practices and environmental justice. His efforts have contributed to legislative and policy reforms aimed at integrating human rights considerations into environmental decision-making in diverse nations including Botswana, Canada, Chile, Fiji, Portugal, Slovenia and South Africa. His ability to bridge the gap between research and real-world action has made him an influential figure in the fight for environmental protection and justice.
Nelson Mandela University acknowledges Professor Boyd’s outstanding contributions to environmental law, policy, and human rights. His unwavering commitment to ensuring a safe, clean, healthy, and sustainable environment for all has left an enduring impact on global efforts to combat environmental degradation. In conferring this Honorary Doctor of Laws, the University celebrates his remarkable achievements and reaffirms its commitment to advancing environmental justice and human rights for future generations.