ENVIRONMENTAL LAWS

The Political Constitution of Colombia of 1991 elevated the consideration, management

and conservation of natural resources and the environment to a constitutional norm, through
the following fundamental principles: right to a healthy environment, the environment as
common heritage, sustainable development.
Colombian legislation on environmental matters is extensive, since it has broad coverage
on many issues; however, it is little known, particularly in academic contexts where its
dissemination has not been the most adequate; hence the importance of a primer that
facilitates this process between undergraduate and graduate students. It is important to
highlight that environmental regulations can be modified or updated, the idea is that this
document in the future is a virtual instrument
of normative learning that allows such updating.

The topics addressed correspond to the main international treaties signed by Colombia
related to the environmental issue, general regulations and some specific ones related to
water, air, soil, flora and fauna. However, it is important to note that due to the extension of
Colombian regulations it is impossible to cover all the topics in a single primer. Important
issues remain pending such as: those related to environmental licenses and permits, as well
as mining exploitation and ecological crimes.