Judging the Future of the Environment

This program aims to strengthen public and private capabilities to improve compliance with the Dominican Republic-Central American Free Trade Agreement (DR-CAFTA). The program is designed for 68 law enforcement professionals, with a focus on environmental law and its application to meet the requirements set forth in DR-CAFTA. Guatemala is home to the largest forested area in Mesoamerica, with a rich natural resource base. However, enforcement and compliance with existing environmental laws are weak. The Government of Guatemala recognizes that the future well-being of rural producers and communities depends on the management and protection of biodiversity and natural resources. Strengthening public-private capabilities to improve compliance with environmental laws and addressing climate change is a high priority to promote sustainable economic growth. The USAID Policy Regulatory Support for Economic Growth (PRS) Project has supported the development of this diploma program. The program combines knowledge of environmental legislation and its application to meet the requirements of DR-CAFTA. More than 68 legal professionals, including 37 women and 31 men, have already received training. These professionals include legal advisers of public and private judges, prosecutors, and academics. The diploma program also offers the opportunity for participants to apply towards Master's level graduate academic credits. The PRS Project's work in creating this diploma program will elevate the importance of environmental legislation and ensure that future legal professionals are educated in environmental law. This effort is part of the Government of Guatemala's response to develop and implement strategies for increasing economic growth while addressing the threats of global climate change. The program's focus on environmental law and climate change will help to promote sustainable economic growth and improve compliance with environmental laws in Guatemala. The diploma program is a significant step towards strengthening public and private capabilities to address climate change and improve compliance with environmental laws in Guatemala. The program's focus on environmental law and its application to meet the requirements of DR-CAFTA will help to promote sustainable economic growth and improve the management and protection of biodiversity and natural resources in the country.