The Vermont Law School has been awarded a $700,000 grant from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), according to a press release from the school. The grant was awarded to the U.S.-China Partnership for Environmental Law at the school.
The $700,000 is a grant extension, which increases the award to $6.8 million. It allows the programs a chance to expand in Southeast Asia through 2015.
“This extension reflects our accomplishments in China and will enable us to expand our expertise and work in the region,” said Siu Tip Lam, associate professor of law and program director of the U.S.-China Partnership.
“Vermont Law students and faculty will be engaged in research projects that directly relate to the environmental governance issues that the region faces, especially with respect to mining projects, hydropower development, and agriculture,” Lam said.
The U.S.-China Partnership was created in 2006 with the support of USAID in an effort to increase environmental governance and rule of law in the country of China. The grant was renewed in both 2009 and 2012.
“USAID continues to offer Vermont Law a unique opportunity to make a difference in Southeast Asia,” said Marc Mihaly, president and dean of Vermont Law School. “We have a proven track record in China, and this grant extension reflects that. We look forward to watching as our faculty and students continue to positively influence environmental law and policy in that region.”