What we do
- Land occupation and natural resource impact authorizations
- Environmental and sociocultural impact studies: coordination and legal review
- Management of hazardous substances, materials and waste
- Environmental compliance audits and due diligence in acquisitions
- Defense in inspections, sanctioning proceedings and environmental criminal cases
- Environmental clauses in operating and purchase agreements
When to contact us
- You are starting construction, a plant or a project that affects natural resources.
- You received an inspection or penalty from the environmental authority.
- You are buying a company or land with possible environmental liabilities.
- You handle substances or waste that require registration and control.
Legal basis
- Constitution (CRBV), arts. 127 to 129environmental rights and impact studies.
- Organic Environmental Law (2006)principles, prior control and penalties.
- Environmental Criminal Law (2012)environmental offenses and corporate liability.
- Law on Hazardous Substances, Materials and Waste (2001)handling and liability.
Frequently asked questions
Which projects need an environmental impact study in Venezuela?
Activities likely to degrade the environment, such as infrastructure works and industrial, mining, energy and certain urban or agricultural developments, require prior assessment by the Ministry of People's Power for Ecosocialism. The authority decides whether a specific assessment is enough or a full environmental and sociocultural impact study is required.
Can a company be criminally liable for environmental damage in Venezuela?
Yes. The Environmental Criminal Law provides penalties for legal entities in addition to the liability of their directors, and requires the damage to be repaired. Valid permits and compliance records are the main defense.
What environmental risks are reviewed when buying a company or land?
Current permits and their conditions, open proceedings and penalties, historical waste management, possible soil or water contamination and restoration obligations. Identifying liabilities allows the price to be adjusted or guarantees to be agreed.