In Mexico, the Secretariat of Environment, Natural Resources, and Fisheries is responsible for reviewing environmental impact statements, which must be prepared for specified projects and undertakings. The use of economic disincentives to control and prevent pollution has long been part of national legislation in the region. The use of pollution licences and fines for the improper treatment of waste are common examples of such instruments. More innovative economic instruments are also being used in the region to address environmental concerns. The Chilean Law on General Basis for the Environment, in 1994, provided for an Environment Protection Fund.
Numerous countries work with schemes to promote the polluter pays principle.
For example, the Jamaican Government requires permits and licences to undertake certain activities that will have a negative impact on the environment. In Santiago, access rights to certain key city roads for buses and taxis have been auctioned. Costa Rica introduced biodiversity prospecting rights and tradeable reforestation tax credits, and is currently experimenting with internationally tradeable development rights and carbon offsets. Financial incentive programmes for the protection of the environment also abound in the region. In Honduras, agricultural credits are given to programmes and schemes that protect and conserve valuable soil resources.