A coalition of Mexican attorneys founded CEMDA in August 1993, after the signing of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). They were interested in the development, effective implementation and improvement of environmental law as a means to protect Mexico´s environment and natural resources.

Thus, CEMDA is a non-political, non-profit, non-governmental organization that seeks to contribute to various national and international efforts for environmental protection and natural resources, by the strengthening, consolidation, harmonization, implementation and enforcement of the legal environmental system. The scope of our work covers rural and urban areas at the local, municipal, state, regional, national and international levels.  We are headquartered in Mexico City, with regional offices in four states of the country.

The mission of the organization is to promote the right to a healthy environment and its protection through the development and enforcement of legislation and public policy.