Justine Bell Official

Bell-James was instrumental in developing the first legal "blue carbon" methodology under Australia’s Emissions Reduction Fund. This framework allows coastal restoration activities, such as restoring mangroves and seagrasses, to earn carbon credits, turning conservation into a viable economic tool for carbon abatement.

Her current research identifies and addresses the legal and governance hurdles—such as complex land tenure and permit processes—that prevent large-scale marine and coastal restoration. She argues that for global biodiversity targets to be met, legal systems must transition from "barrier" to "enabler". justine bell

Justine Bell-James is a Professor at the University of Queensland’s TC Beirne School of Law . Her research focus is highly interdisciplinary, bridging the gap between legal frameworks and environmental science to address the challenges of climate change and biodiversity loss. Bell-James was instrumental in developing the first legal

Beyond her academic role, Bell-James serves as a Director of the National Environmental Law Association and is a member of the Wentworth Group of Concerned Scientists. Her work frequently appears in outlets like The Conversation , where she translates complex legal issues for the public, particularly regarding global failure to meet biodiversity commitments. Other Notable Professionals She argues that for global biodiversity targets to