Quick summary: AMSCLAE receives complaints about acts affecting the environment and natural resources of the Lake Atitlan watershed. Free (Q0), 10 business days, 100% online. The authority forwards the case to PGN and the corresponding municipality. The complaint is the main legal tool to defend the lake against pollution, deforestation, dumping and unauthorized construction.

What the AMSCLAE Environmental Complaint Is

The Authority for the Sustainable Management of the Lake Atitlan Watershed (AMSCLAE) receives formal complaints about acts that affect the environment and natural resources in the Lake Atitlan watershed, per Article 8 paragraph j) of the AMSCLAE Creation Law’s regulation.

After receiving the complaint, AMSCLAE:

  • Immediately forwards the case to the Attorney General’s office (PGN) so it can pursue legal action against the named parties in defense of the State.
  • Notifies the corresponding municipal authority so it can implement corrective, mitigation or preventive actions.
  • Issues a formal Executive Directorate order with the result.

It’s one of the few environmental filings in Guatemala that is fully online and completely free.

Requirements to File the Complaint

The official AMSCLAE form requests electronic documents supporting the complaint:

  • Complainant data — full name, DPI or passport, phone and email (you can verify your tax ID using the CUI/NIT lookup)
  • Exact location of the reported incident — address, GPS coordinates if possible, municipality
  • Clear description of the act — what is being reported, date or time period, identity of the responsible party if known
  • Visual evidence — photographs, videos of the reported act
  • Supporting documents if applicable — environmental licenses allegedly violated, plans, prior complaints

Tip: The more precise the location data (GPS coordinates, photo metadata, time), the faster AMSCLAE can forward the case to the municipality and PGN. Vague complaints get returned for clarification.

Steps to File the Complaint

  1. Fill in the online form at amsclae.gob.gt/denuncia-ambiental/. This is the only step published in the official catalog at tramites.gob.gt.
  2. Attach the evidence — photos, videos, GPS coordinates, documents.
  3. Complete complainant data — your information is not shared with the accused.
  4. Receive email confirmation with the case number.
  5. AMSCLAE evaluates the complaint and forwards it to PGN and the corresponding municipality.
  6. Resolution — the Executive Directorate issues its order within 10 business days.

If the act is in progress (active pollution, ongoing logging, visible discharge), you can also call the municipality and the National Civil Police in parallel — the AMSCLAE complaint does not block other channels.

Cost and Time

ItemValue
CostQ0 (free)
Official timeline10 business days
Channel100% online
OutputOrder issued by the Executive Directorate
CoverageLake Atitlan watershed (Solola)

The filing has no cost at any stage. The 10-business-day timeline runs from full submission of the form and attachments.

How to Apply

  1. Visit the official page: amsclae.gob.gt/denuncia-ambiental/
  2. Fill in the online form with your data and a description of the act
  3. Attach photos, videos and GPS coordinates if you have them
  4. Submit the complaint and save the case number
  5. Wait for the Executive Directorate order (up to 10 business days)
  6. If the case needs immediate action, also contact the corresponding municipality

For environmental complaints outside the Lake Atitlan watershed, use the MARN environmental license channel or file directly with the municipality.

What You Can Report

  • Lake contamination — untreated wastewater, industrial discharge, fuel spills
  • Deforestation — illegal logging in protected forest zones
  • Construction without an environmental license — developments in protected areas, hotels without impact studies
  • Improper solid waste handling — illegal dumps, trash burning
  • Harm to flora and fauna — illegal hunting, species extraction, habitat alteration
  • Erosion from inadequate agricultural practices on slopes
  • Land-use change without authorization in protected areas

Last verified: May 2026. Cost and timeline per the official catalog at tramites.gob.gt (service 602). AMSCLAE may update requirements without prior notice — confirm at the official portal before filing.