The Interamerican Assocation for Environmental Defense (AIDA) congratulates Manuel Pulgar-Vidal for being named head of Peru’s Environment Ministry. An accomplished environmental lawyer and thought leader, Pulgar-Vidal served as the President of AIDA's Board of Directors for eight years. He is only the third Peruvian to be sworn into the government's top environmental post.
We are extremely thankful for all the hard work and guidance Pulgar-Vidal has provided AIDA since he helped found the organization in 1996. The appointment is a well-deserved recognition for a man who has dedicated his life to defending human rights and the environment.
His new role won't be easy. Pulgar-Vidal joins a young government faced with its first crisis: widespread popular dissent over the potential environmental impacts of a massive proposed gold mine. But the opportunity to strengthen environmental governance and institutionalize environmental health protections is priceless. We know he's up for the challenge.