Maastricht Foundations of Law Colloquia

The Department of Foundations of Law in the Faculty of Law cordially invites you to the next meeting of the Maastricht Foundations of Law Colloquia. On 19 November, our speaker is André Nunes Chaib from Maastricht University - Title: Law, Markets and the Valuation of Nature: Legal Infrastructures, Financial Instruments, and the Contest over Ecological Value

Abstract: 
The article argues that law constructs, rather than merely reflects, the financial valuation of nature. It examines how mechanisms such as the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD), Natural Asset Companies (NACs) and natural capital accounting transform ecosystems into measurable assets and risks through legal codification. These frameworks promote commensurability and exchangeability, embedding financial logic in governance. In contrast, Indigenous and relational economies offer alternative modes of valuation. Yet, procedural inclusion tools often assimilate them into market terms. The article concludes that reform requires re-politicising valuation and redistributing legal authority towards communities and beings that have been historically excluded from decision-making, recognising care and reciprocity as legitimate foundations of ecological value rather than economic efficiency.


The colloquium’s format is pre-read. Those attending are expected to have read the text in advance. The draft will be circulated in advance.

Convenors:
Lukasz Dziedzic
Sebastian Reyes Molina
Roland Pierik

The colloquia will take place physically and online. The Teams link for the online sessions will be distributed later.