EPA Efforts in Latin America and the Caribbean

Our efforts in Latin America and Caribbean (LAC) provide environmental tools and information to enhance the capacity of LAC governments and civil society organizations to help build healthy and resilient communities. We work to reduce environmental degradation and its impacts on public health, especially for underserved and vulnerable communities, by supporting our partners as they implement environmental laws, policies, and programs, and meaningful public participation. These activities also support implementation of environmental cooperation mechanisms associated with Free Trade Agreements (FTAs).

Learn more about our work in Latin America and the Caribbean:

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EPA Participation in the Latin American Network for Environmental Enforcement and Compliance (REDLAFICA) and Environmental Impact Assessment Systems (REDLASEIA)

REDLAFICA (formerly REDSUFICA) is an organization created in 2013 by Colombia, Chile, Ecuador and Peru with the objective of improving environmental enforcement and compliance in the Latin American region, ratifying a commitment to advance the environmental protection and strengthen the role of the organizations involved in environmental enforcement and compliance. It is currently comprised of public institutions that exercise environmental enforcement functions in the four founding countries, as well as the following: Argentina, Brazil, Bolivia, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, the Dominican Republic, and Uruguay.

The entities that make up the Network seek to solve cross-border environmental problems and effects, develop indicators associated with environmental inspection and compliance at the regional level, strengthen the capacity of professionals through training, as well as share international practices, information and approaches on environmental problems in different countries.

REDLASEIA was founded in 2021 by government entities carrying out environmental impact assessment functions of investment projects. It is made up of ten countries: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Peru, Uruguay, Mexico, and Paraguay. Its aims are to strengthen the environmental impact assessment processes in the region, through peer dialogue and the collaborative commitment of each country, within the scope of competence of member entities.

Flyer stating dates of 11th Annual Dialogue of the Latin American Networks conference - October 14 thru 18 2024.

October 2024: EPA participated in the 11th annual policy dialogue of the Latin American Networks for Environmental Enforcement and Compliance (REDLAFICA) and of Environmental Impact Assessment Systems (REDLASEIA) sponsored by the Interamerican Development Bank (IDB) and held in Santiago, Chile. Key themes for 2024 were (1) Climate Change Adaptation in Environmental and Social Licensing and Enforcement Processes, (2) Data and Technology in Environmental and Social Licensing and Enforcement Processes, (3) Challenges in Promoting Efficiency between Licensing and Enforcement, and (4) Public Participation with a Gender and Intercultural Focus. REDLAFICA members discussed activities implemented in the previous year as well as future activities. During the meeting, they also named Colombia as the Chair for the Network in 2025. Interactions in this meeting provided for new opportunities for bilateral engagement and built upon EPA participation in previous annual REDLAFICA meetings.

November 2022: EPA participated in the annual meeting of the Latin American Network for Environmental Enforcement and Compliance(REDLAFICA, formerly REDSUFICA), held in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. REDLAFICA members discussed activities implemented in the previous year as well as activities to be within the Strategic Plan for 2022-2025. Planned work may include activities in priority areas: enforcement and compliance in the mining, fisheries and forestry sectors; contaminated sites; coordination among agencies that oversee issues; and updating the REDLAFICA website. During the meeting, they also named Chile as the Chair for the Network. Interactions in this meeting built upon EPA participation in previous annual REDLAFICA meetings.

Selected Free Trade Agreements

Colombia

The U.S.-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement (TPA) was approved by Congress in October 2011 and entered into force on May 15, 2012. More information is available from the U.S. Trade Representative:

The U.S.–Colombia Environmental Cooperation Agreement (ECA) complements the U.S.-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement and was signed on April 19, 2013. View the text of the agreement (from the U.S. Department of State):

English
Spanish (PDF)

The U.S. and Colombia also signed a 2021-2024 work program that defines goals and objectives and areas of cooperation that reflect national priorities for each Government. View the text of the agreement here. (PDF)

Panama

The U.S.-Panama Agreement on Environmental Cooperation (ECA) was signed by the U.S. and Panama on May 2012. The ECA recognizes the U.S. and Panama’s commitment to expanding cooperation on environmental matters.

As a complement to the U.S.-Panama Trade Promotion Agreement (also known as TPA), the ECA establishes a framework for bilateral cooperation to protect the environment and promote sustainable development in concert with the U.S.-Panama trade and investment relationship.

U.S.-Panama Agreement on Environmental Cooperation (ECA) (State Department website archive)
About the U.S.-Panama Trade Promotion Agreement (FTA)
Full Text of the U.S.-Panama Trade Promotion Agreement

Other Work in the Region

EPA collaborated with the Environmental Management Authority (EMA) of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago in the identification of EMA’s air quality management program priorities. Examples of EPA participation under this collaboration include: the organization of and participation in a technical scoping mission to help assess Trinidad and Tobago’s air quality management institutional and technical capabilities, as well as a study tour of a small group of EMA’s technical staff to the U.S. to learn about air quality management program key elements. In addition, EPA designed a template with the essential elements for a regional air quality center of excellence.

Contacts

For additional information on EPA's work with Latin America and the Caribbean, contact:

Cam Hill-Macon

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

Office of International and Tribal Affairs (2650R)

1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW

Washington, DC 20460

E-mail: [email protected]

(202) 564-6408