Investment Law and World Heritage: The Case of Le Morne

This article explores international investment disputes concerning sites inscribed on the unesco World Heritage List, with a special focus on the icsid tribunal award concerning Le Morne Brabant in Mauritius. It analyses the encounter between international investment law and the World Heritage Convention from both perspectives and examines the collision taking place between the two legal regimes in light of the theory of fragmentation of international law. After unpacking key lessons from international arbitrations concerning World Heritage, the article concludes by suggesting ways in which participants in the Convention could engage with the question of investment protection within their regime should they so choose.