Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs

Welcome to the Bureau of Oceans, Environment, and Science (OES) website. In OES, we work on a broad and challenging range of international environmental issues-everything from combating climate change, air and water pollution, and infectious diseases, to the conservation of forests, oceans and marine life, to space exploration. On any given day, members of the Bureau may be responding to the threats of pandemic disease and bioterrorism; fighting illegal trade in endangered species, timber and ozone-depleting chemicals; reinforcing strategic alliances though scientific cooperation; establishing partnerships to lessen greenhouse gas emissions and promote energy efficiency; helping countries gain access to clean drinking water; and protecting oceans and the creatures who live in them. We seek to protect wildlife and its diversity on land and in the oceans. We encourage the spread of new technologies that promise to benefit the environment and promote economic growth at home and abroad. Our goal is to use America's diplomatic power to help foreign citizens improve their lives and transform their futures - to protect the Earth's natural resources for everyone today so that generations to come will enjoy them tomorrow. I hope that this web site is interesting and helpful to you in gaining a better understanding of the work OES is doing on behalf of every American citizen. Claudia A. McMurray Assistant Secretary for the Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs
				Ocean Conservation Strategy January 6, 2009 President Bush used his Antiquities Act authority to designate three new areas in the Pacific as Marine National Monuments. The President's action caps off an eight-year comprehensive ocean conservation strategy. The areas that the President is designating in total will comprise the largest areas of ocean or ocean seabed set aside as marine protected areas in the world, coming in at 195,000 square miles. President Bush's Remarks | Briefing | Establishment of the Marianas Trench Marine National Monument | Establishment of the Pacific Remote Islands Marine National Monument | Establishment of the Rose Atoll Marine National Monument | Fact Sheet: Marine National Monuments
				Pathways to Prosperity Plenary Session I December 10, 2008 Secretary Rice met with Ministers of 12 countries in the Western Hemisphere to advance the Pathways to Prosperity in the Americas initiative, to increase economic opportunity and social justice in the Western Hemisphere through trade and investment. A Ministerial Declaration resolved to enhance the efficiency of bilateral, regional, and multilateral cooperative environmental work to strengthen environmental institutions, polices and laws; to ensure conservation and management of biodiversity, forests, protected areas, and ecosystems; to support transparency and public participation as well as community and voluntary incentive-based activities for environmental protection; and to improve private sector environmental performance. Secretary Rice's Full Text | Pathways to Prosperity site
				US-China Strategic Economic Dialogue (SED) December 4-5, 2008 The State Department led discussions at the fifth meeting of the US-China Strategic Economic Dialogue (SED) in Beijing, China December 4-5. The Ten Year Framework for Cooperation in Energy and Environment generated five action plans, including an environmental conservation plan addressing wetlands protection and nature reserves in both countries. A major initiative agreed to new cooperative forest conservation projects to combat the illegal logging trade and to promote sustainable forest management.  Similarly, several new "Eco Partnerships" will focus on energy security and environmental protection. 12/05/2008-- Joint U.S.-China Fact Sheet 12/04/2008-- U.S. Fact Sheet on Energy and Environment Accomplishments 12/04/2008-- Joint U.S. - China Fact Sheet on Ten Year Energy and Environment Cooperation
				United States and Saudi Arabia Sign Memorandum of Understanding on Science and Technology Cooperation Saudi Arabia December 2, 2008 Assistant Secretary McMurray and Vice President of the King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) Prince Torki bin Saud signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on science and technology cooperation between the United States and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on December 2, 2008 in Riyadh. Media Note | Remarks
				Vietnam November 20, 2008 Assistant Secretary Claudia A. McMurray visited Vietnam from November 18-22 to promote US interests and cooperation with Vietnam on environmental and scientific issues.  Two specific goals were to highlight the importance of cooperation on climate change research and mitigation, and to encourage efforts to preserve wildlife as well as combat illegal wildlife trafficking. more
				New Public Service Announcements to Stop Illegal Trade in Wildlife New York City September 3, 2008 The two new public service announcements on wildlife trafficking are with conservationist Dr. Jane Goodall. Dr. Goodall, a world renowned primatologist and Founder of the Jane Goodall Institute, agreed to film the PSAs to further spread the message that demand reduction of illegally trafficked goods will stop the killing of endangered species. more
				Science Diplomacy and the U.S. Department of State Richmond, Virginia Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Harnish (Nov. 10): "The Department of State engages governments, business, universities, non-governmental and international organizations, and individuals from every region in the world to promote scientific cooperation and education. To accomplish this, State applies a suite of diplomatic tools." Full Text
				White House Summit on International Development October 21, 2008 President Bush: “The United States works with partner nations to deal with the lack of clean water. Last year we dedicated nearly a billion dollars to improve sanitation and water supplies in developing nations. We're also wise enough to enlist the private sector to help, as well." Full Text