In 1994, the coming into force of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) created the world's largest trading block. At the same time, the NAFTA partners sought to build environmental safeguards into the trade liberalization pact and agreed to sign an accord, the North American Agreement on Environmental Cooperation (NAAEC), to do so. The organization created by the Agreement to carry out its provisions is the North American Commission for Environmental Cooperation (CEC), an international organization composed of the Council—cabinet-level environment officials from the three countries; the Joint Public Advisory Committee (JPAC), a group of five citizens from each country; and a Secretariat staffed with environmental experts. The 2002-2004 program plan sets forth the work plan for this triennium, continuing in its implementation of NAAEC. It reflects the Council's vision for deepening cooperation, by pursuing the twin goals of furthering environmental sustainability in open markets and stewardship of the North American environment. The 2002-2004 program plan is centered around four core program areas: Environment, Economy and Trade; Conservation of Biodiversity; Pollutants and Health; and Law and Policy. Within these areas, a number of programs are set out to further the goals and objectives of NAAEC. Specific projects are presented as a means to implement the goals of the programs. The programs will continue to evolve over a three-year cycle in response to the results achieved each year. | 
Download document