Mexico City's Environmental Law, published on 18th July, 2024, establishes a comprehensive framework for the protection of the environment, replacing the previous Environmental Law for the Protection of the Earth. This law recognizes nature and its ecosystems as subjects of rights, which implies a broad and regulated protection for the conservation of natural resources and sustainable development in Mexico City.
Objectives and Scope of the Law
The main objective of the law is to regulate and protect the rights of nature, ensuring a healthy environment through the implementation of local public policies. The regulations address the conservation, sustainable use and restoration of ecosystems, as well as the mitigation of negative environmental impacts. Fundamental principles are established to guide the formulation, evaluation and application of environmental policies that promote ecological balance and the well-being of the inhabitants.
Main Aspects of the Law
1. Protection, Conservation and Management of Green Areas:
- The law focuses on the administration, conservation and restoration of Natural Protected Areas, Areas of Environmental Value and Green Areas. It regulates the use of conservation land and establishes clear restrictions to avoid affecting trees and green areas in construction projects, both public and private, in order to protect biodiversity and the environmental services that these areas provide.
2. Pollution Prevention and Control:
- Mechanisms are established to prevent and control air, water, soil, and other types of pollution such as noise and light pollution. The law regulates liability for environmental damage and promotes the incorporation of environmental costs in production processes. In addition, environmental audits are implemented to evaluate and reduce the impact of economic activities on the environment.
3. Environmental Policy Instruments:
- The regulations introduce several instruments for environmental management, including environmental impact assessment, protected area management programs, and an environmental certification and accreditation system to ensure compliance. Environmental impact studies are mandatory for all works and activities that may significantly affect the environment, especially in conservation zones and protected areas.
4. Citizen Participation and Environmental Justice:
- The law promotes active citizen participation in environmental management, guaranteeing access to information and environmental justice. It establishes the obligation to conduct neighborhood consultations for large construction projects, strengthening transparency and allowing the community to express their concerns and opinions on projects that could impact their environment.
5. Responsibilities and Competencies of the Authorities:
- Defines the competencies and responsibilities of local authorities, including the Head of Government, the Secretariat of the Environment and the mayor's offices, in the application and oversight of the law. The Environmental Secretariat has powers to coordinate, regulate, and sanction activities that affect the environment, as well as to implement conservation and restoration policies and programs.
Innovations and New Approaches
The law adopts an ecosystem and watershed approach to environmental planning and management, promoting ecological connectivity and ecosystem resilience to the challenges of climate change. It includes nature-based solutions to environmental challenges and establishes compensation and mitigation measures for damage caused by human activities. In addition, the law promotes environmental education and awareness programs on the importance of biodiversity and sustainability.