The papers in the present Review are based on lectures given during the fifth University of Joensuu – UNEP Course on International Environmental Law-making and Diplomacy, which was held from 29 June to 11 July 2008 at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The first two University of Joensuu – UNEP Courses were held in Joensuu in 2004 and 2005; the third was hosted at the Pietermaritzburg campus of the University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa; while the fourth returned to Joensuu in 2007.