Personal Connection to Nature 

Growing up in the peaceful coastal town of Callao, minutes away from the capital Lima, Giovanna was surrounded by the pristine natural beauty of the Pacific Ocean and stark desert landscapes. This upbringing instilled in her a deep appreciation for nature from an early age. “Back during those years, when I was very young, everything was so peaceful and untouched—the perfect environment,” she reflects. Throughout her life, she has always held those early memories of home in her mind, “And when I teach about the environment, those memories always come back.” 

However, as Giovanna grew older, she witnessed the gradual environmental degradation of her hometown, driven by pollution, offshore drilling, and the destruction of local biodiversity. The impact of industrial waste on her once-pristine surroundings ignited her passion for environmental and human rights law, which has become the focus of her academic and professional career.  

Exploring the Legal Frontiers of Environmental Justice  

Much of Giovanna’s research focuses on the intersection of environmental and human rights law, with a particular emphasis on social issues. She is deeply aware of the disproportionate impact that climate change and environmental degradation have on marginalized communities. “Those most affected by environmental issues are often the most vulnerable: children, people living in marginalized communities, and indigenous groups,” she notes.  

Indigenous communities, in particular, face forced displacement as foreign investors are granted licenses to extract resources like petroleum, natural gas, and timber from their lands. For indigenous communities, the right to a healthy environment is not just about survival—it is about cultural preservation. “Natural resources, land, and clean water are integral to their way of life,” she explains. “These elements are essential for maintaining their culture, physical integrity, and overall well-being.” 

Much of Giovanna’s current work examines significant developments in the recognition of environmental rights within the Inter-American Human Rights system. One of her projects focuses on La Oroya v. Peru, a landmark case where the Inter-American Court of Human Rights held the Peruvian government accountable for violating the right to a healthy environment, among other rights, of residents exposed to toxic pollution from a smelter complex. The ruling is historic, as it marks the Court’s first decision on air pollution, its first acknowledgment of the right to clean air, and the first environmental case brought by a non-indigenous community. Giovanna views this as a pivotal moment for advancing environmental justice in the region. 

Advocacy Through Teaching  

Giovanna’s journey highlights the many paths available to human rights lawyers beyond traditional litigation. Her approach to advocacy stands out for its focus on education. Rather than litigating cases, Giovanna uses her platform as a professor to inform and inspire future human rights advocates. “I advocate for human rights through my teaching, where I spread human rights values to my students,” she explains. “My goal is to prepare students to continue the fight for protecting our planet and the people who inhabit it.”  

Giovanna’s courses have covered a variety of international law topics, including Public International Law, International Human Rights Law, War Crimes and Prosecutions, International Trade/Investment Law, Latin American Legal Systems, International Minority Rights Law, and others. Her students have been just as diverse, ranging from law students, to students interested in business or government work, to military personnel. Regardless of their background, Giovanna believes all of her students can benefit from a robust understanding of human rights law. Giovanna’s career is a testament to the power of education as a form of advocacy. Whether she’s mentoring students, publishing scholarship, or teaching courses, her work ensures that the values of human rights and environmental protection continue to spread to the next generation of leaders. 

Advice to Students 

Giovanna is deeply committed to building trust and confidence in her students. She believes that success often starts with simply knowing—and believing—that you can achieve your goals. “No one starts as an expert,” she says, and teachers like her are there to guide you in developing the knowledge and skills you need. For her, creating a supportive environment where students feel comfortable to learn, make mistakes, and grow is essential to their success.  

When it comes to hard skills, Giovanna emphasizes the importance of mastering case analysis. “Being able to thoroughly dissect a case—examining the facts, jurisdictional issues, merits, and the court’s reasoning—is one of the most critical skills for any legal professional,” she explains. She encourages students to focus on cutting through the noise and identifying the key aspects of a case, a skill that will always serve them in their future careers. 

Foundational Academic Growth at Georgetown  

Giovanna credits her time at Georgetown with equipping her for a successful teaching career, beginning with her LL.M. in 2001. In 2015, she returned to Georgetown to pursue her S.J.D., a pivotal period that honed her publishing skills. “That’s when I truly learned how to publish. My legal analysis and writing skills were tremendously improved during those doctorate years,” she reflects. Over the course of six years, she immersed herself in rigorous research, which she believes profoundly strengthened her legal research and analytical skills, laying a solid foundation for her future endeavors in academia. 

Open Space, Open Mind 

For Giovanna, environment is important not only as it refers to nature, but also in terms of one’s immediate physical surroundings. She stresses that a good physical environment is key to finding clarity and focus. Being outdoors often helps her reset and think more clearly. “What works for me is being in an open space, surrounded by nature, where I can breathe deeply and refocus,” she says. “I walk, run, and even try to work in green spaces. To concentrate and be productive, I need that kind of open environment.” She encourages students to do the same—step outside the confines of the library and allow yourself to enjoy the clarity of fresh air and open surroundings.  

Written by Cameron Mulrooney, edited by Michelle Liu