Ms Melinda JANKI

Executive Director, Justice Institute Guyana

Melinda Janki is an international lawyer fighting to stop deep water oil production that is endangering the rich marine biodiversity offshore Guyana. Last year she won a case cutting Exxon's environmental permits from 23 years to 5 years. In May she filed a climate change constitutional case challenging oil production on behalf of a university dean and an indigenous youth. Melinda has brought about changes in Guyana’s constitution to recognise and protect natural capital, inter-generational equity and the right to a healthy environment. Melinda has drafted legislation for environmental impact assessments including climatic impacts, protected areas, water management and conservation, and land rights for Amerindian peoples. She is a former member of the WCEL Steering Committee. Melinda grew up in Guyana, Zambia, England and Trinidad and was educated at London and Oxford Universities.