AIDA attorneys, who are both from and in Latin America, provide international and regional legal expertise tailored to help communities and organizations solve environmental problems.
Twenty-five team members in ten countries implement work throughout the hemisphere. With our roots in Latin America, we are uniquely able to apply a regional perspective as we use the law for environmental protection. We generate legal precedents that require and improve protections for the environment and the human right to a healthy environment.
Unlike in the US, Latin American courts consider and apply international law to domestic cases. We craft arguments based on international law to strengthen our partners’ domestic litigation.
We also advocate at international governmental, financial, and legal institutions. We use their processes to create stronger socio-environmental protections, increase government accountability, and promote public participation in decision-making. We strategically inject a Latin American viewpoint into policymaking discussions.
AIDA also implements education and alliance-building initiatives. We build advocacy networks, publish reports, host conferences, and provide technical assistance. These services empower communities and policy-makers with knowledge needed to make responsible choices.
AIDA’s team of committed, strategic change makers values learning, integrity, transparency, collaboration, creativity, and passionate commitment to justice for the environment in the Americas.
AIDA’s work falls into four main categories.
Embedded in each are two additional priorities: Strengthening Environmental Governance and Public Participation to create national and international legal mechanisms for environmental protection, and Capacity Building to help Latin American civil society groups better use these critical tools.