The XXI Meeting of the Forum of Ministers of Environment of Latin America and the Caribbean took place in Buenos Aires, Argentina, 9-12 October 2018.
At the meeting, the ministers addressed priority issues of the countries of the region and took note of the adoption of the Escazú Agreement on 4 March, and the opening for signature from 27 September 2018 to 26 September 2020. They also recognized the efforts of the countries in the implementation of Principle 10 of the Rio Declaration on Environment and Development and encouraged the countries of the region to consolidate international cooperation in environmental access rights.
In its capacity as Technical Secretariat of the Agreement, ECLAC participated in the dialogue "Environmental rights, governance and access to justice in environmental matters" held on 11 October during the ministerial segment. During the dialogue, the contribution of the Escazú Agreement to the strengthening of environmental rights and governance in the region was underscored. The event was moderated by Leo Heileman, UN Environment Regional Director and featured Winston Anderson, Judge of the Caribbean Court of Justice, Silvia Capelli, Public Prosecutor for the Environment of Brazil and Nestor Cafferatta, Environmental Secretary of the Supreme Court of Justice of Argentina.
