2: Trade-Related Environmental Concerns

Increase the capacity of the three countries to identify and address trade-related environmental concerns to achieve mutual benefits for trade and the environment and improve collaboration among the three countries in these areas.

Other Information:

Projects will reduce the environmental and economic harm caused by invasive alien species (IAS) through greater coordination in the prevention, detection, analysis, and mitigation: - Share methodologies and develop guidelines for assessing and communicating risks associated with aquatic IAS pathways; - Develop strategies for public engagement in identification and mitigation measures; - Encourage greater collaboration between and among civil society groups and governments in North America to prevent and control IAS; and - Develop methods to better analyze the environmental and economic costs of IAS including determining how these costs are borne by specific geographic regions, ecosystems, industry sectors and governments. The Parties face environmental and economic challenges due to the introduction, establishment, and spread of IAS. Many IAS pathways relate to international trade. While the Parties cooperate in a number of fora to address different aspects of IAS issues, gaps remain in their efforts to analyze and address this threat. The CEC’s Biodiversity Conservation Working Group (BCWG) identified the threat of IAS as a significant concern for the Parties. It included IAS in its 2003 Biodiversity Strategic Plan as one of the 29 Priority Areas for Action. As a result, the CEC is currently conducting work in this area, and could continue to coordinate efforts to assess risks from aquatic pathways, consistent with the work of international standard setting bodies. Cooperation with civil society groups and the general public can assist governments in their efforts to identify ecosystems where IAS are present and to design mitigation measures and policy responses. The CEC can play an important role in coordinating information sharing among civil society groups and governments at all levels. More thorough and accurate analysis of the environmental and economic damages caused by IAS could also help the Parties prioritize efforts to combat IAS.

Indicator(s):

Indicator:1

Content