The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) which came into effect in 1994, created the world's largest trading block. At the same time, the NAFTA partners wanted to ensure that environmental safeguards were built into the trade liberalization pact. They therefore signed an accord, the North American Agreement on Environmental Cooperation (NAAEC), to address potential trade related environmental concerns and to promote environmental cooperation in the region. The organization created by the Agreement to carry out its provisions is the Commission for Environmental Cooperation (CEC) of North America, 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.
The 2003–2005 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 2003–2005 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. | 
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