Latin America and the Caribbean is one of the most megadiverse regions in the world and has a vast natural heritage. The region has 8 of the 17 megadiverse countries on the planet and has 28% of the arable land. In addition, it represents 1/3 of freshwater reserves and 22% of forest cover worldwide.
But it faces pressing environmental challenges. Added to the loss of biological diversity is desertification, deforestation, ocean acidification and climate change. The region is also very vulnerable to natural disasters, being the second most exposed to these disasters in the world. In addition, there is high socio-environmental conflict and it is the most dangerous place for the defense of the environment, with more than 2/3 of the murders reported globally, mostly indigenous peoples.
The Escazú Agreement is the first regional environmental treaty in Latin America and the Caribbean and offers an unprecedented tool to face these challenges. The Escazú Agreement contributes to the right to a healthy environment and the sustainable development of present and future generations, guaranteeing: 1) access to environmental information; 2) public participation in environmental decision-making processes; and 3) access to justice in environmental matters. Likewise, it is the first global treaty to protect human rights defenders in environmental matters.
The third meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Escazú Agreement (COP 3) will be held at the ECLAC headquarters in Santiago, Chile, from April 22 to 24, 2024. rmation at https://agradodeescazu.cepal.org/cop…
