Argentina's National Ecological Action Network (RENACE), an umbrella for more than 70 non-governmental organizations, in May will launch the Latin American Environmental Observatory to unite groups that are dealing with similar challenges. Participating organizations come from Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Peru, Uruguay, Guatemala, Paraguay and Venezuela.

RENACE coordinator Silvana Buján told Tierramérica that the countries in the region share a variety of problems, but especially a lack of environmental legislation and access to justice.

The Argentine network has already joined efforts with Ecuadorian groups to fight the construction of an oil pipeline, and with Chileans in confronting mining operations, she said.

The official launch of the observatory will be part of RENACE's 27th annual assembly, May 20-23, in the central-western province of Mendoza. There, delegates will also take up issues related to poverty, energy, environmental education and agriculture.