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Published in Fall 2003
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Top environment officials commit to biodiversity strategy
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At the 10th regular session of the Council of the CEC in June, then EPA Administrator Christine Todd Whitman and her Canadian and Mexican counterparts adopted a long-term strategy for the conservation of critical species and habitats in North America.
A joint Ministerial statement made the announcement: "Following extensive collaboration among governments, nongovernmental organizations, and indigenous people, and recognizing the contribution of the public and the Biodiversity Conservation Working Group, we are pleased to adopt the Strategic Plan for North American Cooperation in the Conservation of Biodiversity."
The main goals of the Strategic Plan are to promote the conservation of regions of ecological significance, migratory birds and transboundary species; facilitate data and information sharing on monitoring and assessment, as well as best practices and priorities; promote collaborative responses to the threats faced by ecosystems, habitats and species; and identify and evaluate trade and biodiversity linkages.
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| From left to right, the CEC Council in June: Victor Lichtinger, Christine Todd Whitman and David Anderson. |
Whitman, along with Mexico's Victor Lichtinger and Canada's David Anderson, said that the new biodiversity strategy was a "landmark of cooperation" that creates an opportunity for North America to serve as a "global leader" in developing cooperative approaches to address biodiversity issues of shared concern.
Council also acknowledged the management of freshwater as an issue of common concern. They asked the CEC Secretariat to collect case studies that demonstrate national and local experiences and best practices on water quality.
Specifically, they asked for information on affordable conservation technologies and techniques, water management practices, and approaches to public participation to improve water-use efficiency and protect aquatic ecosystems; and sustainable watershed practices in North America that relate to promoting water quality.
Council also passed resolutions to lay the groundwork for a regional plan to limit dioxins and furans, investigate the impact of pollution on children's health, better track transportation of hazardous waste, and enhance compliance and enforcement of environmental laws.
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