Representatives of Central American countries and the Dominican Republic signed an agreement this week in Costa Rica aimed at increasing compliance  with environmental legislation in the region.
Under the agreement, member nations will help develop and receive training for judges and prosecutors in the enforcement of existing environmental legislation and the evaluation of environmental damages.
The accord will also provide assistance for the region’s governments to develop new laws to protect the environment in their respective countries.
The agreement was signed by representatives from Costa Rica, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Honduras, Panama, Guatemala and the Dominican Republic.
The agreement is part of the Central American Free-Trade Agreement with the United States (CAFTA), under which the United States agreed to aid member nations in developing and enforcing environmental legislation and improving protection for the environment.
Training and other activities under the pact will receive technical support and funding from the U.S. government.
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