North American Environment Ministers Cooperate to Protect Monarch Butterfly

Canadian Environment Minister Sergio Marchi made the announcement at the close of a day-and-a-half meeting with his two counterparts, US Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Carol M. Browner and Mexican Environment Minister Julia Carabias. Together, the three ministers form the governing body of the Commission for Environmental Cooperation (CEC), created by the environmental side accord to NAFTA.

“I am very pleased that the Commission has begun this worthwhile initiative,” said Minister Marchi. The Monarch butterfly is a symbol of the shared responsibilities our three countries have for the conservation of the biological diversity of the North American region.”

Last year, Canadian and Mexican environmental officials signed a bilateral agreement for the protection of the Monarchs. Today’s announcement marks the first time that Canada, Mexico and the United States have committed themselves to joint efforts to conserve Monarch habitats.

“We are enthusiastic about this opportunity to work with Canada and Mexico to protect one of the greatest natural wonders of the North American continent — the migration of millions of Monarch butterflies,” said EPA Administrator Browner.

Joint conservation efforts between the three countries could lead to the establishment of additional protected areas and the development of eco-tourism projects promoting private sector involvement in the protection of the fragile Monarch habitats.

The Eastern populations of Monarchs migrate from Canada, through the United States and to Mexico, and then back again.

“For the first time, agreements on the Monarch butterfly incorporate a global vision to protect the species along the length of its migratory route,” said Secretary Carabias. “Because of the Monarch’s importance the three countries have agreed to establish protected areas and monitoring programs to ensure the continuation of the Monarch’s migratory phenomenon.”

The Monarch initiative was one of several joint actions between the United States, Canada and Mexico unveiled today. Minister Marchi, who hosted the meeting between the three North American environment ministers, also announced cooperative action on air quality monitoring and migratory bird protection.