The article reflects upon the potential of criminal law in protecting the environment. For that purpose, the author understands there are two challenges. Firstly, there is a lack of common understanding of the concepts related to the subject, such as no clear definition of what constitutes environment. Secondly, several issues also arise from the discretion with which the states are left by the international instruments, as well as complications originated from the complex interactions and interrelations between criminal law, administrative law and civil law, such as the liability of legal persons. Following this, there is an analysis of issues related to jurisdiction and international cooperation, all of which should be taken into consideration when exploring the criminal law to reinforce the international environmental law
