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March 27, 2007 Meeting of
the Environmental Affairs Council (EAC) of the Dominican Republic –
Central America – United States Free Trade Agreement
(CAFTA-DR)
SUMMARY: The Department of State and the Office of the United
States Trade Representative (USTR) are providing notice that, as set
forth in Chapter 17 (Environment) of the Dominican Republic – Central
America – United States Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR), the United
States and the other CAFTA-DR Parties (“CAFTA-DR Parties” or “the
Parties”)—intend to hold the second meeting of the Environment Affairs
Council (the “Council”) in Guatemala City, Guatemala on July 24, 2007.
The Council will hold an information session for members of the public
on July 24, 2007, at 2:00 PM, at the Guatemala City Marriott Hotel, 7
Avenue 15-45, Zona 9, Guatemala City, Guatemala 01009. The purpose of
the Council meetings is detailed below under SUPPLEMENTARY
INFORMATION.
The meeting agenda will include discussions of: (1) a review
of the implementation of Chapter 17 obligations, including a report on
the operation of the Secretariat for Environmental Matters, established
pursuant to Article 17.7 of the Chapter; (2) working procedures for the
Secretariat; (3) anticipated activities and operations for the
Secretariat; and (4) cooperative environmental activities the Parties
are undertaking consistent with the CAFTA-DR Environmental Cooperation
Agreement (ECA). The Department of State and USTR invite interested
agencies, organizations, and members of the public to submit written
comments or suggestions regarding agenda items.
In preparing written comments or suggestions, we encourage submitters to
refer to:
DATES: To be assured of timely consideration, comments are
requested no later than July 7, 2007.
ADDRESSES: Written comments or suggestions should be submitted
to both:
(1) Rachel Kastenberg, U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Oceans,
Environment, and Science, Office of Environmental Policy by electronic
mail at
KastenbergRL@state.gov with the subject line “CAFTA-DR EAC Meeting”
or by fax to (202) 647-5947 or (202) 647-1052; and (2) Mara M. Burr,
Deputy Assistant United States Trade Representative for Environment and
Natural Resources, Office of the United States Trade Representative by
electronic mail at
MBurr@ustr.eop.gov with the subject line “CAFTA-DR EAC Meetings” or
by fax to (202) 395-6865.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Rachel Kastenberg, Telephone
(202) 647-6777 or Mara M. Burr, Telephone (202) 395-7320.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Article 17.5 of Chapter 17 of CAFTA-DR
establishes an Environment Affairs Council (the “Council”). Article 17.5
requires the Council to meet at least once a year, unless the Parties
otherwise agree, to discuss the implementation of, and progress under,
Chapter 17. Article 17.5 also requires, unless the Parties otherwise
agree, that each meeting of the Council include a session in which
members of the Council have an opportunity to meet with the public to
discuss matters relating to the implementation of Chapter 17.5.
In addition, in Article 17.9 of the Chapter, the Parties recognize the
importance of strengthening capacity to protect the environment and to
promote sustainable development in concert with strengthening trade and
investment relations and their commitment to expanding their cooperative
relationship on environmental matters. Article 17.9 also notes that the
Parties have negotiated an Environmental Cooperation Agreement (ECA)
that sets out certain priority areas of cooperation on environmental
activities. These priority areas also are reflected in Annex 17.9 and
include, among other things, conserving and managing shared, migratory,
and endangered species in international trade; exchanging information on
domestic implementation of multilateral environmental agreements that
all the Parties have ratified; and strengthening each Party’s
environmental management systems, including reinforcing institutional
and legal frameworks and the capacity to develop, implement, administer,
and enforce environmental laws, regulations, standards, and polices.
The Council held its first meeting on May 24, 2006, in Guatemala City,
Guatemala. At that meeting, the Council discussed issues of mutual
concern related to Chapter 17 of the CAFTA-DR, including the
establishment of a Secretariat for Environmental Matters (“the
Secretariat”). The Council met for the second time on July 27, 2006, to
sign the Secretariat Agreement and appoint a General Coordinator for the
Secretariat. At its third meeting, the Council will, among other
things, (1) review the implementation of Chapter 17 obligations; (2)
receive a report on the activities of the Secretariat; (3) discuss
anticipated activities and operations for the Secretariat; (4) discuss
working procedures for the Secretariat; and (5) review the status of
cooperative environmental activities the Parties are implementing
consistent with the CAFTA-DR ECA. At this meeting, a framework for
future regional environmental cooperation will also be discussed.
The public is advised to refer to the State Department Web site at
http://www.state.gov/g/oes/env/ for further information related
to the Council meetings. |
