The Escazú Agreement and access to environmental information: inclusive environmental governance in Latin America and the Caribbean

Abstract

This study analyzes the impact of the Escazú Agreement on access to environmental information as a key mechanism to consolidate inclusive governance in Latin America and the Caribbean. Derived from Principle 10 of the 1992 Rio Declaration, the Agreement is established as a pioneering instrument aimed at guaranteeing rights to access information, public participation, and justice in environmental matters, with an emphasis on protecting vulnerable groups. The methodology is qualitative, based on a review of academic literature and case studies, complemented by a critical analysis grounded in the theory of environmental justice. This study focuses on the first pillar of the Agreement, particularly on Articles 5 and 6, which outline state obligations for generating and disseminating environmental information. Through a comparative analysis of legislation in Brazil, Argentina, Chile, and Mexico, advances and challenges in the implementation of the Agreement are identified. The findings highlight the importance of access to information to democratize environmental decision-making, promote citizen participation, and strengthen state transparency, thereby fostering a more equitable and sustainable environmental governance in the region.