Background

In the developing world, the rapid and chaotic expansion of cities constitutes one of the most important causes of environmental and social deterioration. Lima is no exception. As elsewhere, this expansion results primarily from internal migration as people move to the cities seeking greater economic opportunity. Industries also relocate to city outskirts where they can be assured a supply of cheap and plentiful labor. Political discontinuity, vested interests, corruption, weak municipal governments and fragmented approaches to complex problems all explain why developing country cities in Asia and Latin America in particular have a rate of growth four times greater than even the most rapidly growing European cities.

Since 1995, Peru has been making a concerted effort to enforce regulations in industry. Partly as a result of international consumer pressure, citizen action and new government policies, companies have begun to address the challenge of ensuring they comply with the law. OACA has been able to take advantage of the challenge presented by explosive urban growth, as well as the trend for corporations to comply with environmental regulations.