Sustaining Environmental Defenders

Since 1997, E-LAW U.S. has sent more than $1 million to grassroots environmental lawyers in less industrialized countries. Working with local advocates, E-LAW U.S. develops joint projects that help advocates tap the resources they need to protect the environment.

This financial support helps level the playing field for grassroots advocates who are taking on multinational corporations. It enables advocates to represent low income communities that traditionally have not had a voice in environmental debates. For example, E-LAW U.S. is working with advocates in Brazil to protect the Atlantic Forest, with advocates in India to clean up waterways, and with advocates in Mexico to increase public participation in environmental decision-making.

Through such joint projects, E-LAW U.S. currently supports 15 staff positions dedicated to helping communities defend the environment in Brazil, Mexico, Peru, Panama, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Tanzania, Cameroon, Nepal, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, the Philippines, India, Bangladesh, Slovakia and the Czech Republic.

E-LAW U.S. helps local advocates launch public interest environmental law groups. These organizations will work for years to come to defend the environment.