| During the last fifty years trade liberalization has stimulated different levels of industrial and technological development and economic growth around the world. However, during that same period, the world has witnessed a rapid degradation of the environment and an excessive exploitation of natural resources. The urgency of the situation requires the reconciliation of trade liberalization and environmental protection goals.;In this context, on January 1, 1994, the North American Free Trade Agreement entered into between Canada, Mexico and the United States came into force. This agreement has significant environmental content and includes a side agreement on environmental matters. This new framework of environmental protection is serving to reconcile trade and environmental goals in the region, and is shaping the new legal framework for environmental protection and enforcement in Mexico. |
