Milestones in our history
Heading
1986
The Peruvian Society of Environmental Law (SPDA) is founded
1988
We got our first project funded: a process to compile and systematize environmental legislation in Peru, for Concytec.
1989
We provided technical assistance to the Congress of the Republic for the drafting of the Environmental Code, among other proposals.
1990
We accompanied the process for the drafting and approval of the Environmental and Natural Resources Code (CMARN), which began in 1984 with the formation of its Drafting Commission.
1991
We promoted a campaign, together with congressmen and other organizations, for Texas Crude to desist from operating on the basis of an illegal contract in the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve.
1992
We participated in Rio+92, an important event where the framework agreements on climate change and biodiversity were signed.
1993
We provided assistance in the drafting of Panama's General Environmental Law.
1993
We obtained a favorable ruling from the Supreme Court in defense of the Los Manglares de Tumbes National Sanctuary. This was the first ruling of last instance in defense of an ecosystem in Peru, and also to be the first time that the right to a healthy environment was activated for an amparo action.
1993 - 1996
We worked with the Andean Community (Andean Pact at the time) and the IUCN Environmental Law Center to develop the first legal norm on access to genetic resources in the world: Decision 391 (July 1996). It was the first Andean process that integrated the work of civil society and indigenous groups with the CAN governmental process.
1992 - 1994
We promoted the creation of PROFONANPE: the first National Fund created for environmental purposes, in this case for Peru's natural protected areas.
1993 - 1994
We supported the process of creating the National Environmental Council (CONAM).
1993 - 1995
We advised on the preparation of the first Master Plan for the National System of Natural Protected Areas.
1994
We obtained a favorable ruling in the habeas data for access to information filed against the Ministry of Energy and Mines. This was the first time that this right, enshrined in the 1993 Constitution, had been validated.
1994 - 1996
The concept of "disclosure of origin" and defensive protection (in the context of access to genetic resources, protection of indigenous knowledge and intellectual property) were created by the SPDA between 1994 and 1996. They are currently the two most important principles under discussion in international fora, including WIPO, the CBD/Nagoya Protocol and others.
1995 - 1997
We participate in the drafting, approval and dissemination of laws on biological diversity, protected areas and natural resources.
2000
We were appointed as advisors to the Ad hoc Attorney General's Office to defend the Peruvian State in a series of lawsuits filed by Industrial Maderera Tahuamanu, an associate of Newman Lumber Company of Mississippi (United States). The lawsuit was generated by the illegal extraction of cedar and mahogany in 1999 in the provinces of Iñapari and Iberia in Madre de Dios.
2000
In alliance with AIDA, we promoted the adoption of remedial measures in favor of the people of La Oroya, due to the levels of contamination to which they were exposed as a result of the environmental deficiencies of the metallurgical complex.
2000
We actively participated in the design and approval of the Forestry and Wildlife Law.
2000
Due to the growth of demand and new projects, we moved to our new location at Prolongación Arenales 437, San Isidro.
2001
We promoted the work of "Los TamboPatas", a group of people organized and recognized by SERNANP as the Management Committee of the Tambopata National Reserve, who have distinguished themselves by their struggle and commitment to protect the Tambopata National Reserve from illegal mining.
2001
SPDA contributed to the recognition of the first private conservation area in Peru: Chaparri. It's more than 34 hectares are home to various species, including the spectacled bear and the white-winged guan.
2004
We created the National Commission against Biopiracy (Law 28216 of 2004), as a result of joint work with INDECOPI between 2002 and 2004, when the Maca Working Group was formed to explore biopiracy on this resource.
2004
We received the "Creative and Effective Organizations" Award from the McArthur Foundation in Chicago. The award recognized the SPDA's creativity in generating and promoting innovative conservation mechanisms such as private conservation areas, conservation concessions, agrobiodiversity zones, etc.
2004 - 2006
We opened decentralized offices in Loreto and Madre de Dios.
2004 - 2005
We launched the Private and Community Conservation Initiative and promoted the creation of the first national Private Conservation Network.
2005
Received the Business Creativity Award and the Cambie Award for our Private and Community Conservation Initiative.
2006
In alliance with the PUCP, we launched the first Diploma in Environmental Law and Natural Resources.
2006
We launched Actualidad Ambiental. This environmental news website is one of the most visited portals for environmental news and information.
2007
Together with other members of civil society, we filed an injunction against the Provincial Municipality of Maynas and the company M.P. Construcciones y Servicios SRL, to stop the damage to the Allpahuayo Mishana National Reserve caused by the installation of a "sanitary landfill".
2008
We contributed to the creation of the Ministry of the Environment (Minam) and the National Service of Natural Areas Protected by the State (Sernanp).
2010
Creation of the Free Legal Clinic of Madre de Dios.
2010
Launched Alerta Ambiental, a portal that generated alert mechanisms to follow environmental processes and improve the performance of environmental justice in Peru.
2011
Law No. 29763, Forestry and Wildlife Law, was approved. We actively participated in the process of elaboration, dissemination and implementation of the prior, free and informed consultation of the Bill promoted by the Agrarian Commission of the Congress.
2012 - 2014
SPDA supported the process of creation and implementation of the National Environmental Certification Service for Sustainable Investments.
2012
We launched Conservamos por Naturaleza, an initiative that seeks to make visible and improve the opportunities and impact of voluntary conservation in Peru.
2014
We provided legal advice to the Ministry of the Environment for the design of the Law on Mechanisms for Remuneration for Ecosystem Services.
2014
We were awarded the Mitterrand Foundation Prize in France. The award recognized the important contribution of SPDA in the fight against biopiracy.
2015
Actualidad Ambiental wins the National Journalism Award for Las Rutas del Oro.
2015
We actively participated and contributed to the promotion of the establishment of the Sierra del Divisor National Park (Loreto and Ucayali).
2017
We actively participated in the design of legislation to protect the waves that serve as natural sporting venues for surfing. We achieved the protection of our first wave.
2018
For the third consecutive year, we received several awards at the Poder OnThink Tanks awards.
2018
We developed the first Environmental and Natural Resources Law Course for members of the Judiciary.
2018
We promoted the approval of Law 30884, a law that regulates single-use plastic and disposable containers.
2019
We promoted and contributed to the Ministerial Resolution N° 0159-2019-JUS, "Protocol to guarantee the protection of human rights defenders".
2019
Peru's Natural Heritage Initiative was launched. We actively contributed to the generation of this initiative, which aims to ensure the financial sustainability of the country's natural protected areas.
2019
We acquired the property in Prolongación Arenales as our own premises.
