Utrecht University graduate Christina Fernandez shares her experience with environmental law and law of the sea

Christina Fernandez, a graduate of Utrecht University with an LLM in public international law, was interviewed about her academic career, what brought her to Utrecht and what she has been doing after finishing her LLM in Utrecht, and she also reflects on how she is developing her career.

Could you tell us something about your academic career before starting the master in Utrecht, and why you chose that master?

“I studied law and obtained my Juris Doctor degree in the Philippines. I was a practicing attorney-at-law and working as a law clerk in the Supreme Court of the Philippines when I decided to finally pursue an LLM degree. Growing up near the pristine beaches of the Philippines, I have always had a keen interest in the ocean. Combining that with my law background, I was looking to study the law of the sea. The BBNJ Agreement was being negotiated around that period, and it seemed like a very exciting time to be studying this area of law. When I found about the OES track of the master PIL at UU, I was very happy as it was the perfect fit for my interests. I was even more enthusiastic about the program when I learned that the Netherlands Institute for the Law of the Sea (NILOS) was located at Utrecht University. I knew I would be getting the best education from the most experienced academics in the field.”

What have you been doing after finishing the master program in Utrecht?

“After finishing the LLM at UU, I started a PhD project at Tilburg University, which is concerned with marine protected areas in the high seas, in the context of fisheries management and climate change. My experience in the OES track was certainly a major contributing factor in me pursuing further studies, because my interest in the ocean really grew exponentially during my time at UU. Not only that, I learned more about environmental law in general, and the concept of sustainable development in the context of ocean studies. It shaped my views and instilled a sense of curiosity in me, and I knew that I wanted to study and research on these topics further.

Now, as a PhD candidate, I supervise LLM students in their thesis, give lectures on International Environmental Law, and do research on my own project where I regularly go back to my books (and even my notes!) from my LLM studies. In addition to my research, I also attend various events and present at conferences relating to environmental law and sustainability. There, I meet academics and practitioners alike, such as marine biologists who have experience in designating and designing marine protected areas, who share their experiences and practical insights, which further enrich my own thoughts and perspectives.”

Any advice for students who want to pursue a career in the field of OES?

“If you want to pursue a career in the field of OES, I say, just go for it. It is such a diverse and exciting topic, and you will surely be energized by the different opportunities and ideas it brings. You will connect with people from all kinds of different backgrounds – from those with law or political science degrees, to climate change scientists and oceanographers. There is something of interest for everybody in this field, and you will find it genuinely fulfilling and rewarding.”