Even the best Laws & Policies cannot by themselves protect and improve the environment. To make a difference in actual fact, Laws & Policies must be competently, consistently and fairly enforced. For our Program, therefore, building CAFTA-DR environmental law enforcement capacity is a priority.
Environmental officers enforce laws pertaining to wildlife and fisheries; parks, protected areas and preserves; solid and hazardous waste disposal and storage; water and air pollution; agricultural land use and pest control practices. They perform a wide range of practical and intellectual functions: They may be charged with patrolling protected areas, policing illegal hunting or trade in exotic species, investigating pollution violations or prosecuting and penalizing offenders. In all their roles and duties, environmental officers must keep citizens informed and involved and, above all, must maintain the public’s trust and confidence.
Enforcing environmental laws requires skills and resources, and the commitment of governmental authorities to work together.
- Specialized Knowledge, Skills and Tools. Environmental officials need specialized knowledge and practical and legal skills; technical expertise and access to accurate information; and the appropriate physical tools—communications, transport and other equipment, for instance.
- Inter-agency Cooperation and Coordination. Competent environmental law enforcement demands coordination and cooperation among agencies and officers charged with inspection, investigation and legal processes at national, cross-border and international levels.
Enforcement is part and parcel of every CAFTA-DR Environmental Cooperation Program theme and priority whether related to controlling contamination, conserving biodiversity, promoting sustainability in commercial activities or securing the active participation of businesses and citizens in observing and enforcing environmental norms and legal requirements.
We devote substantial resources to building enforcement officials’ knowledge and practical skills, developing reference materials and guides, promoting intra- and inter-governmental cooperation and coordination, and other Activities to strengthen enforcement of environmental laws and policies to meet CAFTA-DR obligations.
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Activities
Activities
Activities
Activities
