Fundamental Principles of Environmental Law in Latin America: A Systematic Review and Their Legal-Environmental Impact

Abstract

Justification: this research was conducted with the aim of exploring and deepening the understanding of the fundamental principles of environmental law and assessing whether they are fully upheld in Latin America. Objective: to analyze, through a systematic review, how the core principles of environmental law have been applied and interpreted within the Latin American context, and to evaluate their effectiveness in environmental conservation. Methodology: a qualitative approach and a descriptive design were adopted to enable an in-depth understanding of these legal principles across various Latin American settings and to identify key advances and challenges addressed in academic literature regarding their efficacy. Results: the study found that the application of environmental law principles has had a variable impact on effective environmental protection, ranging from significant regulatory progress to structural difficulties that hinder implementation. A comparative analysis of the constitutional and legal frameworks of Latin American countries revealed substantial differences in the incorporation and enforcement of these principles; although most countries have formally recognized them, their practical application depends heavily on specific political and institutional contexts. Conclusion: the principles of environmental law have been widely acknowledged in Latin American constitutions, legal systems, and international agreements; however, their practical enforcement remains uneven and, in many cases, limited.