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Canada-Chile Agreement on Environmental Cooperation
Fifth Work Program (2005-2007)
Approved by Council on November 16, 2005
Table of Contents
Introduction
Cooperative Activities
Budget
One of the main objectives of the Canada-Chile Agreement on Environmental
Cooperation (CCAEC) is to increase environmental cooperation between the two
Parties.
The proposed work program covers the period between November 2005 and December
2007. The National Secretariats decided in 2003 to enhance cooperative activities
by placing them on a two year planning cycle. The National Secretariats will
continue to report on the progress of cooperative activities to the Council
at the regular Council Sessions.
The fifth work program of the Commission focuses on four priority areas previously
identified by Council:
- Environmental Enforcement and Compliance;
- Participation of Civil Society in Environmental Management;
- Trade and the Environment; and
- Health and Environment.
This work program builds on the joint work done over the last few years. The
proposed activities will: strengthen environmental protection in the two countries,
assist both Parties achieve their obligations under the CCAEC; encourage the
dissemination of information; and facilitate the establishment of networks
among government officials, professionals, researchers and organizations sharing
similar interests. The National Secretariats will continue to coordinate the
implementation of the various projects. Both countries will invite experts
and relevant organizations to assist in the delivery of the approved activities.
The two governments will share expenses related to project implementation on
a case by case basis and will fully explore alternative sources of funding.
Background
Pursuant to Article 5 of the Canada Chile Agreement on Environmental Cooperation
(CCAEC), “each Party shall effectively enforce its environmental laws
and regulation through appropriate government action”. To this end, as
per Article 10(5), the Council shall encourage enforcement by each Party of
its environmental laws and regulations, compliance with those laws and regulations
and technical cooperation between the Parties”. Under Article 10 (2)
(n), (o) and (p), the Council may consider and develop recommendations regarding
human resource training and development in the environmental field; the exchange
of environmental scientists and officials; and approaches to environmental
compliance and enforcement.
General Objectives
The general objectives of activities under this theme are to strengthen the
effectiveness of environmental enforcement and compliance activities in Chile
and Canada, by providing a forum for the exchange of information and experiences
on environmental enforcement and compliance policies, tools and practices,
and to support access to information on environmental data, and to enhance
environmental monitoring.
Activities
05.1.1 Evaluation of capabilities and requirements for setting up a National
Protected Areas System
The Biodiversity Convention notes that ssetting up national biodiversity systems
is essential to halt the loss of biodiversity at the planetary level. In that
context, actions such as the development of the Protected Areas Policy and
the GEF Project on a National Protected Areas System clearly exemplify Chile’s
commitment in these matters of great importance at both the national and international
levels.
The development phase of the National Protected Areas Policy should be completed
by the end of this year. The PDFB (Project Development Facility Block B) phase
of the GEF (Global Environmental Facility) project should get underway in early
September and continue for approximately a year and a half, with the large-scale
Project beginning in 2007. The GEF Project for setting up a National Protected
Areas System is one of the basic pillars of the development and achievement
of the goals and lines of action of the Protected Areas Policy. Because of
its extensive preparation and subsequent development, it is a topic of great
interest and a challenge for the country, since it is critical to develop a
rapid response capability at the technical, management and multisectorial coordination
levels. Thus, mobilizing national capabilities is essential to prepare the
project and obtain the support of other countries with significant experience
in the field of protected areas, of which Canada is clearly one.
A support Workshop in a sensitive thematic area of the GEF project, which
would fit in with the Chile-Canada Agreement on Environmental Cooperation,
will take place. In this regard, one of the most sensitive and central areas
in preparation (PDFB phase of the GEF Project) has to do with “Evaluating
systemic, institutional and individual capabilities for the technical strengthening,
financial planning and management of protected areas”. To achieve this,
it would be most useful to collect and capitalize on what is most advanced
to date in the country, in addition to analysis experiences, methodologies
and models from both pertinent national players and Canadian experts in a timely
manner, i.e. during the PDFB phase, to guide the development of the GEF Project.
Thus, it is hoped that the Workshop would provide an opportunity to learn about
experiences and approaches to the systemic elements mentioned above through
expository talks by Canadian and Chilean experts, which would be accompanied
by thematic discussions on gaps and possibilities for cooperation in the areas
mentioned above, followed by the passing of resolutions on the actions and
studies to be included in the PDFB phase or in developing the implementation
phase of the large Project.
Expected results:
- Enhanced knowledge of methodologies, criteria and technical aspects for setting
up a National Protected Areas System
- Identification of gaps or deficiencies (technical, financial or managerial)
in the current regulatory frameworks that make it difficult to set up a National
Protected Areas System
- Determination of common framework criteria for setting up a Protected Areas
System
- Identification of actions or studies to be undertaken (within the framework
of the PDFB or the Project as such) to overcome those obstacles.
05.1.2 Migratory Bird Protection and Management- Training Chilean officials
responsible for the protection and banding of migratory birds.
Canada and Chile have agreed to ensure the protection of biological diversity,
developing national strategies for the protection of biological diversity within
the framework of the Convention on Biodiversity.
They also agreed that a mutual point of interest is cooperation on protecting
migratory birds, which was discussed at the 12th Conference of the Parties
of the CITES Convention. The Western Hemisphere Migratory Bird Conference in
Termas de Puyehue, Chile 2003 listed developing regional branding programs
as a priority.
In Chile, the Agriculture and Livestock Service (SAG) is responsible for safeguarding
terrestrial animals, including migratory birds. The Hunting Act (Law 19.473)
and Supreme Decree No. 5 of the Ministry of Agriculture protect migratory birds.
The SAG grants capture permits for research or banding, which require proof
of experience, a detailed description of the methodology to be used, and submission
of a report containing the data obtained. However, currently there are no specific
banding or protection programs for migratory birds in Chile.
During the meeting held in Santiago Chile, November 2004, Canadian and Chilean
officials discussed the benefits of a banding program in supporting bird protection,
conservation and ornithological research and management and highlighted elements
necessary to develop a Chilean banding program. In addition, Chilean representatives
expressed interest in developing a strategy for responding to oil spills and
the introduction of toxic materials into the environment that could affect
birds.
The North American Banding Program has developed and uses specialized software
for issuing and tracking permits and other software for the capture, data management
and reporting of banding data from banders. The Bird Banding Office has supplied
the Chilean government with these software structures for their use, however
in order to use the permits database proficiently, formal training is necessary.
Canada will continue to support Chile in the nomination of Bahía Lomas
site for inclusion in the Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve Network (WHSRN)
and eventually in protecting other important sites for birds, as well as training
on prevention and response to releases of oil and other toxic substances into
the environment.
Expected results:
- Understand the role, benefits and limitations of banding data and banding programs.
- Become familiar with various census techniques for bird monitoring.
- Chilean government officials develop the skills to launch and administer a
banding program.
- Train Chilean officials in operating specialized permits databases and Band
Manager software.
- Chileans review Canadian bird banding policies and consider developing Chilean
banding policies.
- Develop a prioritized list of steps for setting up a Chilean banding program.
- Inform Chilean representatives of bird monitoring approaches in Canada.
- Establish communication links between bird monitoring representatives in Chile
and Canada.
- Chilean representatives understand Canada’s approach to oil spills.
- Communicate Canada’s strategies for responding to wildlife and toxic
substances.
- Develop mechanisms for follow-up on monitoring program development and approaches
to oil and other toxic substances.
05.1.3 Strengthening the Implementation of the POPs Convention
The Stockholm Convention is a global treaty to protect human health and the
environment from persistent organic pollutants (POPs). POPs are chemicals that
remain intact in the environment for long periods, become widely distributed
geographically, accumulate in the fatty tissue of living organisms and are
toxic to humans and wildlife. POPs circulate globally and can cause damage
wherever they travel. In implementing the Convention, Governments will take
measures to eliminate or reduce the release of POPs into the environment.
Of all the pollutants released into the environment every year by human activity,
POPs are amongst the most dangerous. For decades these highly toxic chemicals
have killed and sickened people and animals by causing cancer and damaging
the nervous, reproductive and immune systems. They have also caused uncounted
birth defects.
The 2001 Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) entered
into force on Monday, May 17, 2004 marking the start of an ambitious international
effort to rid the world of PCBs, dioxins and furans, and nine other highly
dangerous pesticides. Chile signed the Stockholm Convention on May 23, 2001
and ratified it on January 20, 2005. Canada also signed the Stockholm Convention
on May 23, 2001 and ratified it on the same date in 2001.
Governments sought a rapid start to action against POPs when they met for
the first meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention (COP 1)
in Punta del Este, Uruguay in the first week of May, 2005. By May 17, 2006,
two years after the entry into force of the Stockholm Convention, Parties are
required to submit to the CoP, their National Implementation Plans (NIP) describing
how it will implement its obligations under the Convention. Both Canada and
Chile need to consult with their respective stakeholders to solicit their advice
on the development and content of their national Plans.
Chile has participated in a pilot project intended to develop National Implementation
Plans (NIPs) for the Management of Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) under
the Stockholm Convention with 12 other Countries and funded by the Global Environment
Facility (GEF). Furthermore, Chile was the host of the second “Expert
Group on Best Available Techniques and Best Environmental Practices” meeting
that took place in Villarrica, Chile in December 2003. Canada was the first
country in the world to sign and ratify the Stockholm Convention. Hence, both
countries have shown a definite spirit of leadership regarding the Stockholm
convention.
Despite the organization of Workshops to support implementation of the Convention –such
as Subregional Workshops on Support for the Implementation of the Stockholm
Convention- there are significant opportunities to improve the implementation
of the Convention in both countries by fostering a better understanding of
their internal implementation systems, specially regarding experiences on best
available techniques (BAT) and “best environmental practices” (BEP).
Secondly, and most importantly, Canada and Chile could share their experiences
in the creation, development and consultation process for their respective
National Implementation Plans (NIP).
Expected results:
- Effective information exchange on Environmental Technologies to reduce unintentional
POPs.
- Improved Canadian and Chilean NIPs and NAPs to optimize their features by the
deadline of May 17, 2006.
- Development of a bi-national task force to manage and eliminate hazardous POPs
stockpiles in Chile.
- Exploration of the possibility of adding new Chemical compounds to the list
of hazardous substances for elimination in a new biannual program based on
the CEC’s SMOC program.
05.1.4 Exchange and Technical Cooperation Workshop on Sustainable Development
Indicators
The purpose of this project is to conduct an International Workshop that brings
together Chilean officials and key actors and international specialists, especially
from Canada and Europe, who are actively developing indicators and/or strategies
to ensure that, together with environmental information, they contribute to
the development of environmental policy and become tools for communication
and decision-making, promote inspection and compliance with environmental law,
permit the tracking and monitoring of the state of the environment and natural
resources, and measure the progress towards sustainable development.
Expected Results:
- To analyze the experience of and models adopted by countries (including Chile’s
proposal) and international organizations regarding environmental information
for decision-making. Indicator systems and reports on the state of the environment.
- To analyze the experience of and models adopted by countries (including Chile’s
proposal) and international organizations regarding the generation of environmental
information in priority areas for Chile (air quality, water quality, residential
residues, pollutant emissions, native forests and plant resources, and public
and private environmental expenditure).
- To analyze the experience of and models adopted by countries (including Chile’s
proposal) and international organizations regarding access to information and
gauging public perceptions and opinions and interaction between the supply
and demand of information.
- To conclude the workshop with the validity, feasibility and applicability of
Chile’s proposal and proposed improvements to the model.
05.1.5 National Enforcement Management Information System and Intelligence
System - Phase IV
On August 22, 2001, a workshop on the NEMISIS system took place in Santiago.
Representatives of Environment Canada’s Enforcement Program gave a presentation
and demonstration of the system and participated in a discussion on the relevance
and applicability of this system to Chile.
As a result of the above, CONAMA conducted an internal feasibility study which
assessed the applicability of NEMISIS in the Chilean context and identified
important considerations that should be taken into account if a similar platform
is transferred to Chile.
From September 13 to 17, 2004, two officials from CONAMA visited the Environment
Canada (EC) offices to learn about the enforcement mechanisms and procedures
performed at the federal level and the application of the NEMISIS program.
As a result, and in accordance with project plans, the relevant NEMISIS variables,
such as its information systems, organization of software support and development,
organization of systems support, among others, were evaluated in the field.
Phase IV of this project will develop the spheres of action in the transfer
of technical and legal information associated with: a) tracking and enforcement;
b) complaint and emergency processes; c) enforcement planning and producing
reports; and d) analysis of intelligence systems.
Expected Results:
- Edited enforcement guides regarding application of standards, analysis and
sampling methods in the field, together with preparation of at least one training
workshop for COF members.
- Review and updating of information and registration systems at CONAMA.
- Document evaluating Watson’s intelligence and use model and its implementation
in CONAMA’s information system.
Background
The promotion of transparency and public participation in environmental management
are two key objectives of the CCAEC. Article 10 (6)(a) directs the Council “to
promote and, as appropriate, develop recommendations regarding public access
to information concerning the environment that is held by public authorities
of each Party, including information on hazardous materials and activities
in its communities, and opportunity to participate in decision-making processes
related to such public access”. Furthermore, a number of articles of
the CCAEC address directly and indirectly public participation and education
in environmental matters, including environmental laws and policies.
General Objectives
The general objectives of this section of the work program are to enhance the
participation of civil society in environmental management and to promote environmental
citizenship in both countries. Projects in this area will facilitate the exchange
of information and experiences between non-governmental as well as governmental
organizations on a wide variety of topics, including public participation initiatives
in Canada and Chile, the CCAEC cooperative activities, and environmental legislation.
Activities
05.2.1 Developing Non-governmental Organization Pollutant Release and Transfer
Register Information Management Capabilities
One of the fundamental aspects of the Chile-Canada Agreement on Environmental
Cooperation is the encouragement of transparency and public participation in
environmental management. Thus, in Chile, under the work program of this Agreement,
the National Environment Commission (CONAMA), along with representatives from
the public, private and academic sectors and NGOs, have been working since
2002 on developing a Pollutant Release and Transfer Register (PRTR).
A central element in the process of designing and implementing this tool is
the inclusion of civil society. The purpose of this is not only to build legitimization
and transparency mechanisms into the information system, but also to include
the defining elements represented by the observations of individuals and organizations
in society to ensure the accessibility and effectiveness of the instrument.
In late 2003 / early 2004, in the design of the main characteristics of the
registry stage, the “Incorporation of civil society into the design and
implementation of the PRTR” project took place. This project was the
first phase of the process of incorporating civil society into the national
PRTR. At that time, work began on spreading the Registry among NGOs and the
public, compiling important background materials for use in designing the national
proposal.
Now, we must continue to make progress in the registry awareness and distribution
processes and in developing NGO and civil society capabilities in managing
and interpreting the information contained in the registry once the implementation
stage begins.
As part of the Sixth Work Program (2005-2007) of the Chile-Canada Environmental
Cooperation Commission, it is proposed that two Chilean NGO professionals visit
Canadian NGOs to learn about their experiences in managing and distributing
PRTRs.
Expected results:
- Identifying Canadian non-governmental organizations involved in managing and
distributing information from the Canadian Pollutant Release and Transfer Register
(NPRI).
- Establishing contacts and strengthening links with Canadian NGOs involved in
managing and distributing information from the Canadian Pollutant Release and
Transfer Register (NPRI).
- Planning of a trip to Canada by two Chilean NGO professionals.
- Travelling to Canada to learn about Canadian NGO experience in administering
and distributing the NPRI.
05.2.2 Training public officials on Methodologies for Public Participation
and Environmental Conflict Management
In Chile, National Environment Commission (CONAMA) manages the Environmental
Impact Assessment System (SEIA). Within this institutional structure, both
CONAMA and Regional Environment Committees (COREMAS) are responsible for coordinating
the review process for Environmental Impact Studies and Environmental Impact
Statements that project managers submit to the environmental assessment system.
In this sense, several state organizations responsible for the environment
participate in the process.
CONAMA is also responsible for managing and creating channels to ensure informed
community participation in the environmental assessment of the projects submitted
to the SEIA, in accordance with the legal mandate.
The project proposal establishes capacities among public officials to improve
understanding of the scope and nature of public participation in environmental
issues and to share lessons learned and alternative approaches to the subject.
A Canadian team that will travel to Santiago, Chile, will implement this training.
Expected results:
Develop a training program that permits in-depth study of methodologies, tools
and experiences in the area of public participation in environmental management
and enables public officials from the National Environmental Management System
(SNGA) to develop capacities. More specifically, this activity will focus
on:
- Public participation in the “expert commission review” (discussion
between managers, officials, specialists and citizens, public hearings, range
of opinions of officials and specialists).
- Public participation in the “mediation” phase (formal and informal
mediation and conflict resolution: course offered by the Agency on reasoned
negotiation in assessments).
- Citizen complaint systems (forms of participation, rights and obligations,
environmental monitoring, citizen control of environmental decisions, environmental
ombudsman).
- Environmental conflict management (concepts, methodologies, alternative approaches,
etc.)
05.2.3 Strengthening NGOs within the Framework of Public Participation in Chile
This project falls within the area of public participation and the strengthening
of NGOs and social movements in environmental decisions.
Chile lacks the systematization of lessons learned from current public participation
experiences and has a training shortage of environmental leaders in the country’s
regions to participate in the Environmental Impact Assessment System.
This initiative is intended as a contribution by the public to systematize
progress and problems in public participation in the Environmental Impact Assessment
System (SEIA) for the purpose of preparing proposals to enforce OECD recommendations
in Chile within the framework of the recent environmental performance evaluation.
The project’s objective is to strengthen and empower the Network’s
organizations through the delivery of conceptual, methodological, analytical
and exploratory tools to design actions and a permanent position and generate
environmental leaders at the local and regional levels in Chile.
Expected results:
- Systematize public participation experiences in the SEIA.
- Train leaders in various regions of the country.
- Produce a methodology for public monitoring of the SEIA.
- Produce and publish a public monitoring manual of the SEIA.
- Maintain the SEIA system and monitored cases on line on the webpage.
05.2.4 Dissemination of Information on Environmental Management
Recognizing that access to information on environmental issues is fundamental
to effective public participation in environmental management. The Canada-Chile
Commission agreed to update and continue activities that were part of previous
work programs as appropriate. These activities include:
CCAEC Websites
- Each National Secretariat has created its own internet site on the CCAEC. These
sites provide the general public access to the official text of the Agreement,
activities of the Commission for Environmental Cooperation, joint cooperative
projects, and associated documents and publications. The National Secretariats
work together to ensure parallel development and maintenance of the sites,
and similar structure and content
- Both National Secretariats will implement the advice from the JPAC on a communications
strategy
- The website can be found in the three languages of both Parties at:
http://can-chil.gc.ca
http://www.conama.cl/chile-canada
Action at the Community Level Webpage
- The 1999 Annual Program created a web-page highlighting national community
level programs in the two countries. Parties agree to update this section of
the website regularly.
Environmental law and Regulations Database
- The objective of this project was to provide easy access to current Canadian
and Chilean environmental legislation. A database containing a full listing
and legal references, as well as summaries of federal and national environmental
laws and regulations in effect in the two countries with hotlinks to full text
on line is maintained on the Canada-Chile website.
Estimated cost: Translation and web-editing – approximately Cdn $15,000
Expected results:
- Enhanced awareness by Canadian and Chilean communities of programs undertaken
at the local level in both countries
- Public access to current electronic information in the three official languages
of the Agreement on the CCAEC and the Commission
- Improved access to information about Chile’s environmental management
system for Canadians and vice versa.
Background
Several articles of the CCAEC address trade and environment issues, including
Article 1 and Article 10(7). These stipulate that the Agreement should support
the environmental goals and objectives of the Canada-Chile Free Trade Agreement
while avoiding the creation of trade distortions or new trade barriers, and
that the Agreement should promote economically efficient and effective environmental
measures.
The relationship between trade and the environment has been the subject of
debate and analysis in diverse fora, particularly in recent years. Given its
increasing importance on the international agenda, Canadian and Chilean representatives
decided that a useful means of supporting the environmental goals of the CCFTA,
would be to jointly analyze and discuss trade and environment issues of common
interest. A more in-depth, shared understanding of some key issues would benefit
the bilateral relationship, and could lead to the sharing of positions in other
fora.
General Objective
The primary objective is to establish and maintain a constructive and collaborative
dialogue on trade and environment in the context of the CCAEC, in the trade
liberalization process underway in the Americas, and in the broader debate
at the international level.
Activities
05.3.1 Promoting Environmental Sustainability in the Aquaculture Sector
The main focus of this project will involve activities related to the management
of environmental effects associated with the operation aquaculture facilities.
This will include a review of the participating countries legislated mandates
and existing environmental assessment and compliance frameworks. A review of
the current scientific consensus on environmental effects management issues
related to aquaculture will also be undertaken on areas such as modeling, monitoring,
management and compliance.
The project will involve participation from the respective governments as
well as the Chilean aquaculture industry and academic community. In order to
ensure that information is being shared, as well as bilateral meetings on specific
topics, a March 2006 two day workshop sponsored by the participating countries
will review the current science related to aquaculture and provide a forum
for discussion of management options. This workshop will include presentations
from all parties, industry, academics, and government representatives. This
workshop will occur in conjunction with AquaSur, the largest aquaculture conference
in the Southern Hemisphere, to ensure broad participation from all parties
as well as enable as many participants as possible to benefit from this project
under the CCAEC umbrella.
The project involves the exchange of personnel between the Canadian and Chilean
governments, specifically Fisheries and Oceans Canada and the Aquaculture Department
of the Chilean Undersecretariat for Fisheries, in order to facilitate dialogue
and work on issues of mutual interest related to environmental sustainability
for an estimated six months. Many of these issues are key issues raised by
both governments as well as the OECD and United Nations Food and Agricultural
Organization and include work on the following specific areas:
- Minimizing and managing the use of antibiotics and other residues
in the marine environment aimed at improving water quality and human health;
- Managing exotic species including minimizing escapes of salmon from fish culture
facilities into the wild aimed at reducing interactions between wild and farmed
fish through the drafting of regulations and work with industry on best management
practices;
- Improved management of fish health (specifically disease and parasite management);
- Improved management of environmental effects through modeling and integrated
management:
- Strengthening of environmental impact assessment (EIA) processes
- Consideration of work on Integrated Coastal Zone Management and management
of multiple uses in the aquatic environment to minimize user conflicts and,
- Economic incentives for increasing environmental performance and management
including work on effectiveness of enforcement and compliance and consideration
of alternate models.
Expected results:
- Improved environmental management and sustainability of the sector through
further development of regulations and legislation;
- Improved environmental management and sustainability of the sector through
further development of guidelines and policy;
- Long term relationships and capacity building for governments and other stakeholders
such as industry and academics related to improved environmental management
and opportunities for long term cooperative research efforts;
- Development of a sustainable aquaculture management framework; and
- Development of expertise and leadership in the area of environmental sustainability
of the aquaculture sector for sharing with other APEC and developing countries.
05.3.2 Climate Change- Roadshow on the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM)
Half-a-day round table in four major Canadian cities (Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver
and Calgary) on what are the opportunities and challenges of doing business
in Chile, especially in CDM projects. A panel of experts from Chile will present
to potential Canadian investors the opportunities and challenges of investing
in CDM projects in the Chilean market in addition to concrete CDM projects.
If resources permit, following would be "awareness-raising" sessions
with a Roundtable in Chile. On that occasion, Chilean project developers would
be invited to meet Canadian investors and further explore possibilities of
collaboration.
Expected results:
- Increase the awareness of the Chilean market and the opportunities of doing
business in Chile with particular focus on Clean Development Mechanism projects
- The Chilean delegation present CDM project opportunities with the potential
of creating carbon credits.
- Provide Canadian prospective investors a concise and accurate view of barriers
and issues to be aware of when investing in Chile
- Offer a favourable environment for Canadian companies interested in establishing
a relationship with key players in the Chilean CDM scene
05.3.3 Energy Efficiency
The goal of this project is to facilitate cooperation between Chile and Canada
to effectively implement the Chilean National Program on Energy Efficiency
that is currently being developed in Chile. Chile would benefit from the Canadian
experience and policy instruments that have already been implemented in Canada,
such as certification programs.
Expected results:
Cooperation in the following areas:
- Exchange of experiences on electrical devices, engines and housing certification
- Exchange of experiences on energy efficiency policies in several economic sectors
- Communication strategy to foster civil society involvement in energy efficiency
initiatives
Background
Environmental challenges such as air pollution, the management and transport
of hazardous substances, the misuse of pesticides, the thinning of the ozone
layer and climate change have tangible impacts on human health. Human health
can therefore be a significant driver for action on a variety of environmental
issues. Unfortunately, the division of responsibilities across Ministries does
not always allow for effective engagement to address environmental issues that
have a direct effect on human health. It was with this in mind that hemispheric
leaders at the Summit of the Americas and Environment Ministers at the Meeting
of Environment Ministers of the Americas in the first quarter of 2001, acknowledged
the need to build stronger bridges between environment and health sectors.
As a result, the Health and Environment Ministers of the Americas (HEMA) met
in Ottawa, Canada, in March 2002. There, Ministers made a commitment to address
common concerns regarding threats to the environment and to human health and
define and act on shared goals.
Building on the commitments made at HEMA, Canadian and Chilean officials agreed
to cooperate in activities that will improve mechanisms that facilitate the
discussion, coordination and collaboration between Health and Environment Ministries
in the area of Health and Environment.
Several articles of the CCAEC stress the importance of fostering the protection
and improvement of the environment for the well-being of present and future
generations and cooperating in areas related to the strengthening of environmental
policies, practices and procedures. Furthermore, the Agreement obliges each
Party to effectively enforce its environmental laws and regulations. Because
the definition of environmental law in Article 44 paragraph 2 (a), includes
any statue or regulation with the primary purpose to protect the environment,
or prevent danger to human life or health through the control of pollutant
or toxic emissions or the protection of wildlife and natural areas, both the
Chilean Ministry of Health and Health Canada administer and enforce environmental
laws in conjunction with CONAMA and Environment Canada respectively.
General Objective
The primary objective of the project is to strengthen the existing capacities
in both countries to develop and implement policies and regulations in the
area of health and environment.
Secondary objectives include building links between health and environment
policy-makers in Chile and Canada, as per the commitments made at HEMA.
Activities
05.4.1 Air Quality Index – Phase II
Establishing a clear link between environmental problems and their impact on
health is a very effective driver for action. A mechanism to discuss, coordinate
and collaborate on policy development in the area of health and the environment
cannot be overstated. Under phase I of this project, Chilean and Canadian government
officials from both health and environment sectors held a policy forum to discuss
key emerging issues in the area of health and environment. The purpose of Phase
II of this project is to develop short and long run air quality indicators
associated with health, with the purpose of establishing a system of prevention
of environmental health for the population of the Metropolitan Region.
Expected results:
- An air quality evolution analysis and its impact on mortality, according to
the measures established in the PPDA.
- To obtain short-term indicators and their prognoses methodologies of pollution
concentrations associating air quality and risk in health.
- To have long term indicators to consider the impact of the possible new measures
to include in the update of the PPDA in the year 2006
- Capacity building completed for Chilean officers regarding the development
of the AQI through technical exchange with workshops and courses in Chile and
Canada.
- Presentation of the AQI results to public and private sectors such as a starting
point for the reformulation of the PPDA process.
1. Cooperative activities of 5th Work Program of the CCCEC (2005-2007)
| Project no |
Project Title |
Estimated Costs |
| Chilean Pesos |
Cdn Dollars |
| 05.1 |
Enforcement and compliance |
|
|
| 05.1.1 |
Evaluation of capabilities and requirements for setting up a National
Protected Areas System |
2,760,000 |
6,000 |
| 05.1.2 |
Migratory Bird Protection and Management- Training Chilean officials
responsible for the protection and banding of migratory birds |
5,060,000 |
11,000 |
| 05.1.3 |
Strengthening the Implementation of the POPs Convention |
4,600,000 |
10,000 |
| 05.1.4 |
Exchange and Technical Cooperation Workshop on Sustainable Development
Indicators |
3,680,000 |
8,000 |
| 05.1.5 |
National Enforcement Management Information System and Intelligence
System - Phase IV |
5,520,000 |
12,000 |
| 05.2 |
Public Participation |
|
|
| 05.2.1 |
Developing Non-governmental Organization Pollutant Release and Transfer
Register Information Management Capabilities |
3,680,000 |
8,000 |
| 05.2.2 |
Training public officials on Methodologies for Public Participation and
Environmental Conflict Management
|
7,360,000 |
16,000 |
| 05.2.3 |
Strengthening NGOs within the Framework of Public Participation in Chile |
7,360,000 |
16,000 |
| 05.2.4 |
Dissemination of Information on Environmental Management
|
7,360,000 |
16,000 |
| 05.3 |
Trade & Environment |
|
|
| 05.3.1 |
Promoting Environmental Sustainability in the Aquaculture Sector |
11,040,000 |
24,000 |
| 05.3.2 |
Climate Change- Roadshow on the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) |
10,120,000 |
22,000 |
| 05.3.3 |
Energy Efficiency |
8,280,000 |
18,000 |
| 05.4 |
Health & Environment |
|
|
| 05.4.1 |
Air Quality Index – Phase II
|
2,300,000 |
5,000 |
| TOTAL |
|
79,120,000 |
172,000 |
2. The Joint Public Advisory Committee (JPAC)
All expenses related to supporting the activities of the JPAC will be shared
by the two parties according to the Rules of procedure for the JPAC and the
National Secretariats. Expenses include the reimbursement of travel expenses
of JPAC members, organization of their meetings, translation of documents and
simultaneous translation, as required. Administrative, technical and operational
support will be provided by the two National Secretariats.
3. The Joint Submission Committee (JSC) and Experts in Environmental Matters
Each Party will ensure that funds are available to handle submissions on enforcement
matters as required. Costs associated with the work of the Joint Submission
Committee and the preparation of factual records will be equally shared by
the two countries, administrative support will be provided by the National
Secretariats.
For an update on on-going activities please visit the website www.can-chil.gc.ca.
|
