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"A Virtual Forum for the Pollutant Release and Transfer Registry" is a project of the LaNeta program (http://www.laneta.apc.org) focused on using new information technologies to strengthen communication and information among organizations working on environmental issues such as pollution from toxic substances, environmental legislation and the right to information. One of the objectives is to publicize and promote actions in relation to the Pollutant Release and Transfer Registry (PRTR) that the National Institute of Ecology (Instituto Nacional de Ecología—INE) is in the process of establishing.
The work is carried out basically through the http://www.laneta.apc.org Internet site and the emisiones-l electronic mailing list, in addition to direct communication, in person or through the project’s electronic mail address: emis@laneta.apc.org., with organizations and individuals interested in the subject.
Geographic location
The La Neta offices are located in Mexico City, however the Virtual Forum project is located—as its name indicates—in virtual space. It maintains contact with organizations around the country, and from its virtual "center" it distributes and administers its information services.
Description of the problem
The environmental situation in Mexico is very serious. While there is legislation that regulates and establishes norms for certain environmental aspects in the country, this has been insufficient. The Virtual Forum project was initiated because of the need in Mexico for a registry of industrial pollution and management of dangerous substances—which is the objective of the PRTR. With such a registry, we could be informed of toxic emissions in the air, water and soil that affect communities. The compiling of data for this registry has already begun; however, it does not appear that communities will have access to this information. It is very important to unite efforts among environmental and citizen groups and organizations to continue to work for the right to environmental information, something not frequently demanded in Mexico. We are committed to this task and we are "virtually" and concretely united.
General description
The purpose of the Virtual Forum project is to communicate and take actions in response to the problem of dangerous substances in Mexico. In order to fulfill this purpose, we are in constant communication with organizations and individuals involved in this type of work in order to join efforts in promoting and exercising the right to environmental information, and to take actions designed to have an impact on environmental policies in terms of the use of cleaner technologies in industrial processes and to work for environmental justice. We have also developed relationships with Canada and the United States.
Expected results and follow-up
To date, this project has managed to collect important information on the experiences of organizations fighting against the use of toxic substances and clandestine storage areas and trash dumps. We have lists of toxic substances; an alternative list proposed by NGOs; information on health and toxicology, and on pesticides; news items and actions taken; and information on environmental legislation, on the right to information, and on cross-border transporting of toxic substances. Other organizations participate on an ongoing basis by sending information and coordinating joint efforts in organizing actions in favor of a healthy environment. Representatives of the project have attended international environmental meetings and have developed relationships with groups in the United States and Canada, especially with environmental organizations and those working with the right to information. Another focus of efforts is to maintain the interest, discussion and promotion of the PRTR among Mexican organizations.
Programa La Neta, S.C.
Mexico, D.F., Mexico
http://www.laneta.apc.org
For more information about this grant, please contact the CEC Secretariat.
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Canada 
United States 
Mexico 
