Interamerican Association for Environmental Defense
The organization works internationally with partners in many different countries including Argentina, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Mexico, and Peru.Pesticide spraying in Colombia threatens forests in Ecuador; polluted waters from Bolivia damage fragile wetlands in Brazil; overfishing by boats registered in Panama causes global disruptions in marine ecosystems; and consumer excess in the United States strains environmental resources throughout the hemisphere.When significant disparities in economic capacity and political influence are involved, AIDA protects poor communities struggling against powerful corporate or state interests.AIDA designs international strategies that lead to measurable results – we hold governments accountable and build the capacity of key players in positions to make a difference.AIDA partners with local groups to field multinational teams of lawyers and scientists to tackle a range of environmental and human rights crises – including the decline of freshwater resources, the proliferation of toxins, climate change, and the decimation of vulnerable biodiversity.When big business moves in to extract natural resources or develop infrastructure, local people are often left with contaminated water, polluted air, and no way to feed their families.[10] AIDA works on projects in collaboration with environmental and human rights groups throughout the hemisphere, including the following participating organizations: La Oroya in Peru has been said to be the most polluted place in the world.