The executive director of the Environmental Legal Assistance Center (ELAC) presented the concern on environmental law enforcement in developing countries as one of the panelists during the 25th Public Interest Environmental Law Conference (PIELC) in the United States on March 1-4, 2007.  The PIELC, which was held at the University of Oregon in Eugene, Oregon, is the premier annual gathering for environmentalists in the world.  The conference unites activists, attorneys, students, scientists, and community members to share their expertise and insights.

With keynote addresses, workshops, films, celebrations, and over 100 panels, PIELC is world-renowned for its energy, innovation, and inspiration.  Keynote speakers include Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., Dr. Vandana Shiva, Dinah Bear, Reverend Marta Benavides, Lonnie Dupre and eric Larsen, Anne Kajir, Winona LaDuke, Zygmunt Plater, Jerome Ringo, Sheila Watt-Cloutier, Craig E. Williams, and Mary C. Wood.  Kennedy is the author of  the  book entitled "Crimes Against Nature" which charges that the present US adminstration has taken corporate favoritism to unprecedented heights --- threatening our health, national security, and democracy.

Atty. Raul P. Barbarona, ELAC executive director, joined with advocates from El Salvador and Haiti in a panel on   "Effectiveness of Environemental Law and Activism in Poor Countries".  The panelists discussed the problems they see in fostering activism and enforcing environmental laws in poor countries.  Peace activist Reverend Marta Benavides of El Salvador and lawyer Jean Andre Victor of Haiti were the other members of the panel.

The executive director shared ELAC's experiences with community direct action which resulted in "swift justice" but he also shared the sad experiences of communities exposed to harrassments, life threathening situations, and even death at the hands of the environmental law violators.

http://www.pielc.org/brochures/PIELC2007BROCHURE.pdf

ELAW ANNUAL MEETING 

Earlier, Atty. Barbarona attended the annual meeting of the Environmental Law Alliance Worldwide (E-LAW) which was held in Yachats, Oregon, from February 24 - February 28. 

The Environmental Law Alliance Worldwide (E-LAW) gives public interest lawyers and scientists around the world the skills and resources they need to protect the environment through law. Grassroots lawyers from 10 countries founded E-LAW in 1989. Now, more than 300 grassroots lawyers and scientists in 60 countries call on the E-LAW network for critical legal and scientific tools.

E-LAW advocates serve low-income communities around the world, helping citizens strengthen and enforce laws to protect themselves and their communities from toxic pollution and environmental degradation. E-LAW advocates are building a sustainable future by helping citizens participate in decisions about the environment. By giving grassroots advocates access to critical legal and scientific resources, E-LAW strengthens these advocates to challenge environmental abuses and pursue environmental justice.