In Central America, the Central American Commission on Environment and Development (known by its Spanish acronym CCAD) has formulated regional guidelines and models for environmental legislation, including legislation that implements MEAs. CCAD’s Environmental Law and Policy Program has utilised various approaches to harmonise the implementation, compliance, and enforcement of MEAs and Laws. For example, CCAD facilitated the development and adoption of regional Protocols on access to genetic resources and on biosafety. CCAD has also developed Guidance for application of CITES, as well as a Model for Waste Water Standards.
In developing these instruments, CCAD has facilitated the intersectoral participation of a range of national authorities, including those addressing public health, water, and agriculture. These instruments were developed through Technical Committees, which included experts from the Environmental Ministries. After the consultation process, the proposals are submitted to the Council of Ministries, the higher authority of CCAD.
The regional protocols, standards, and guidelines provide guidance to the Member States when they develop the relevant national laws and regulations. Through this process, Central American States have been able to harmonise a number of environmental laws at the regional level.
For more information, see http://www.ccad.ws; see also the case study on “Harmonization of Environmental Laws in Central America,” following Guideline 46
.