Many nations in Latin America and the Caribbean are developing a variety of environmental initiatives.  These programs are being implemented by different groups in different environmental fields.

One of the most important changes in the region is the establishment of environmental ministries.  Existing ministries have also been granted new powers in several nations.

Among the new government agencies are the Ministry of Sustainable Development and Environment in Bolivia; the Secretariat of Environment, Natural Resources, and Fisheries in Mexico; the Natural Resources Conservation Department of Jamaica; the National Environmental Commissions in Chile and Guatemala; the Secretariat of Natural Resources and Human Environment in Argentina; and the Secretariats of the Environment in El Salvador and Honduras.

Some countries in Latin America and the Caribbean are also beginning to incorporate environmental provisions into their constitutions.  In fact, every constitution in the area written after the 1972 Stockholm convention has included environmental requirements.

To handle the prevention of hazardous waste creation and pollution, as well as other issues such as the preservation of biodiversity, many countries are passing environmental legislation.

In addition to basic laws, some countries including El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Colombia, and Ecuador have created National Environmental Action Plans.

The creation of environmental non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and environmental education programs are aimed at increasing grassroots support for environmental issues.  In countries such as Mexico and Costa Rica, NGOs are helping with conservation programs and are promoting renewable energy usage.