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Canada-Chile Commission for Environmental Cooperation
Fourth Work Program (2003-2005)
Preliminary Version
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 present work program of the Commission for Environmental Cooperation
covers the period between November 2003 and December 2005. The fourth
work program marks a departure from previous work programs which covered
the interval between Council Sessions. National Secretariats decided that
our cooperative activities would be enhanced if the program covered a
longer time span and if activities could be scheduled on the margins of
Council Sessions. National Secretariats will continue to report on the
progress of cooperative activities to the Council at the regular Council
Sessions.
In order to achieve the objectives of the CCAEC and help fulfill the
obligations of the Parties, the fourth work program of the Commission
focuses on the four priority areas identified by Council at previous sessions:
- Environmental Enforcement and Compliance;
- Participation of Civil Society in Environmental Management;
- Trade and the Environment; and
- Health and Environment.
This work program is intended to build on the joint work done over the
last few years in the two countries and to produce concrete results. The
activities proposed for this program are designed to strengthen environmental
protection in the two countries, assist both Parties achieve their obligations
under the CCAEC; to encourage the dissemination of information; and to
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. Experts and relevant organizations in both countries will be
invited to assist in the delivery of the approved activities. Expenses
related to project implementation will be shared between the two governments
on a case by case basis and alternative sources of funding will be explored
fully.
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
03.1.1 National Enforcement Management Information System and Intelligence
Systems (NEMISIS) Phase II
This project also builds on work begun in the previous work program under
project number 00.1.3 and 02.1.1. During the first phase, officials from
Environment Canada visited Chile to demonstrate the features of Canada’s
National Enforcement Management Information System and Intelligence Systems
(NEMISIS). This is a electronic information data base for tracking and
managing the department’s enforcement activities under federal environmental
and wildlife legislation enforced by Environment Canada (EC). As a management
tool, NEMISIS can be used to monitor trends, set priorities and prepare
regular and special purpose reports. It is available to inspectors, investigators,
wildlife officers and managers to record all pertinent information related
to occurrence reports, inspections and investigations.
During the second phase, CONAMA conducted an internal feasibility study
to assess the applicability of NEMISIS in the Chilean context and to identify
important considerations that would need to be taken into account if a
similar platform were to be transferred to Chile. The study noted that
while CONAMA currently uses information technology to track information
related to the impact assessment process, a system like NEMISIS could
be useful in addressing gaps in environmental legislation. It also recognized
that CONAMA’s current efforts will make a strong foundation for
future work in this area. As a result, the study concluded that a more
detailed analysis is required to identify the specifications and modifications
that would be necessary to install a system similar to the Canadian NEMISIS
in Chile.
In this, Phase III, of this project, CONAMA officials will continue their
analysis of the feasibility of transferring the NEMISIS platform to Chile
and will begin designing and pilot-testing a NEMISIS-like system for Chile.
To this end, a small group of technicians will visit Canada. During the
visit the Chilean delegation will learn more about the design and use
of NEMISIS.
Estimated cost: In-kind contribution of CONAMA and Environment Canada
officials plus travel costs of approximately $20,000.
Expected results:
- Design and Pilot testing of a system like NEMISIS in Chile.
03.1.2 Environmental Indicators
Environmental indicators provide an effective means by which complex environmental
data can be transformed into easy-to-use communication and decision-making
tools. Indicators can promote enforcement and compliance with environmental
legislation by helping to keep track of the state of the environment and
by measuring progress towards sustainable development. The governments
of Canada and Chile both support the use of environmental indicators,
as a part of their national environmental agendas.
This purpose of this project is to hold a workshop that will bring together
key Chilean and Canadian officials who are actively developing indicators
and/or strategies to ensure that indicators and environmental information
contributes to environmental policy.
Estimated cost: In-kind contribution of CONAMA and Environment Canada
officials in addition to travel costs, facility rental and interpretation
services – approximately Cdn $18,000 (assuming 4 officials traveling).
Expected results:
- Identification of priority issues;
- Improved knowledge of methodologies and technical aspects (monitoring,
data collection) related to indicators.
- Progress towards the development of a ‘core set’ of indicators; and
- Improvement of national environmental indicators programs in Chile and Canada.
03.1.3 Migratory Bird Management
The purpose of this project is to exchange information on migratory bird
management through an informal dialogue between specialists. The first
task of the group would be to develop a list of shared species. This task
could be conducted from a distance and would be useful background for
a discussion on migratory bird management issues. The project may involve
the participation of other countries relevant to the paths of migratory
birds, such as Argentina.
Estimated cost: In-kind contribution of CONAMA and Environment
Canada officials plus travel costs – approximately Cdn $9,000.
Expected results:
- A list of shared species;
- Improved awareness of efforts taken to protect migratory species;
and
- Identification of future areas for cooperative efforts.
03.1.4 Environmental Valuation Reference Inventory
The EVRI is an Internet database of empirical studies on the economic
value of environmental benefits and human health effects. It was developed
as a tool to help policy analysts use economic valuation for policy applications
such as cost-benefit analysis, damage assessment and green accounting.
The United Kingdom, France, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency along
with Environment Canada are members of the “EVRI club”. The
club was formed as a vehicle to pool resources of several countries to
allow the development and promotion of EVRI, and to make it accessible
to citizens.
The purpose of this project would be to further investigate CONAMA’s
interest in Chile becoming a member of the EVRI club. The project would
be implemented in three stages: 1) Presentation by Environment Canada
official to high-level CONAMA officials; 2) Meeting between Environment
Canada official and officials from CONAMA’s environmental economics
group and other selected invitees to discuss potential for use of EVRI
in Chile; 3) Training of a small number of economists designated by CONAMA,
by Environment Canada.
Estimated Cost: In-kind contribution of CONAMA plus
travel costs for up to two trips for Environment Canada officials –
Approximately Cdn $8,000.
Expected Results:
- Chilean access and use of EVRI
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
03.2.1 Environmental Impact Assessment
Under the CCAEC, each Party commits to assessing, as appropriate, environmental
impacts - Article 2 (1e). Environmental impact assessments can be very
complex and in some cases can divide communities and result in much conflict.
The purpose of this activity is to conduct a comparative analysis of the
Chilean and Canadian systems for assessing the environmental impacts of
large projects with a view to highlighting successful approaches to involve
citizens and manage conflict.
As much as possible the workshop will include Canadian participants from
the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency, other Canadian departments,
and the provinces. Chilean participants will include officials from the
Chilean National Environment Commission (CONAMA) and its regional offices.
Estimated cost: In-kind contribution of CONAMA and Environment Canada
officials plus travel costs – approximately Cdn $21,000.
Expected results:
- Improved understanding of each Party’s respective systems
for assessing environmental impacts;
- Exchange of techniques and approaches to engaging the public in
the EIA process;
- Discussion on options available to manage and resolve conflicts.
03.2.2 Pollutant Release and Transfer Register – Phase II
In May of 2002, Environment Canada, UNITAR and CONAMA participated in
a workshop to discuss Pollutant Release and Transfer Registries (PRTR).
The workshop was open to the public and was well attended by Chilean business
and environmental groups. Following the workshop, Environment Canada funded
the preparation of a situational analysis and feasibility study concerning
the possibility of developing a PRTR system in Chile. The results of this
study were presented at a workshop held in Santiago in June of 2003.
As a result of the newly-signed Chile-US Free Trade Agreement, the US
Environmental Protection Agency has agreed to continue supporting UNITAR’s
work in the implementation of a PRTR Design and Capacity Building Project
in Chile. The overall goal of the proposed project is to provide technical
and financial support to CONAMA towards implementing specific PRTR design
tasks. The final deliverable of the project will be a National PRTR Proposal
developed through and endorsed by a multi-stakeholder process. The PRTR
Design Proposal will serve as the core document for government decision-makers
in Chile responsible for deciding on a PRTR system.
Canada will remain involved in the development of Chile’s PRTR
system through the involvement of Canadian experts on Canada’s National
Pollutant Release Inventory (NPRI) and the sound management of chemicals.
Estimated cost: In-kind contribution of Chilean and Canadian officials
plus potential travel costs to attend meetings and/or workshops –
approximately Cdn $ 6,000.
Expected results:
- National PRTR Proposal developed through and endorsed by a multi-stakeholder
process.
03.2.3 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
- The website can be found in the three languages of both Parties
at:
Action at the Community Level Webpage
- A web-page was created under the 1999 Annual Program 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.
03.2.4 Building Capacities in Non-Governmental Organizations
A Workshop entitled “Building Effective Partnerships in Environmental
Management” was held in Santiago in April of 2003. A conclusion
of this workshop was that capacities need to be strengthen in both the
non-governmental and governmental sectors to result in effective partnerships.
It was further noted that there is much that Canadian and Chilean ENGOs
(Environment focused Non-Governmental Organizations) can learn from each
other. While the details of this project have not yet been defined, the
intention is to build on past work and help establish mutually beneficial
relationships between Chilean and Canadian ENGOs.
Estimated cost: to be determined – estimate in the area of Cdn
$15,000 to support travel costs
Expected results:
- Increased capacities in ENGOs
- Stronger ties between Chilean and Canadian ENGOs.
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
03.3.1 Round Table on Trade and Environment
A permanent Round Table on Trade and Environment issues was established
in the Second work program (project number 00.3.1). Each Round Table consists
of closed and public portions. The closed portion allows Canadian and
Chilean officials from environment and foreign affairs departments to
discuss key policy developments and positions. The public portion is open
to invited academic, business and NGO representatives and strives to foster
an in-depth discussion on the chosen theme. Past themes have been precaution;
environmental assessments of free trade agreements; certification, WTO
rules and MEAs and eco-labeling.
Parties have agreed to continue the Round Tables and their format. The
round tables are intended to facilitate the exchange of information, experiences
and points of view on the trade and environment relationship, and to explore
potential areas of cooperation. Canada’s Department of Foreign Affairs
and International Trade (DFAIT) and the Chilean Ministry of External Relations
play an important role in the coordination and delivery of the Round Tables.
Estimated cost: $ 20,000 for two Round Tables.
Expected results: Better shared understanding of the
impacts of trade liberalization on the environment, and a better understanding
of respective positions.
03.3.2 Seminar on Clean Development Mechanism
On December 3rd, 2001 a workshop was held in Santiago entitled "The
Carbon Market: Business Opportunities between Canada and Chile under the
Clean Development Mechanism". This workshop was hosted by the Canadian
Clean Development and Joint Implementation Office, CONAMA and Urquidi,
Riesco, Ramirez and Associates and provided an opportunity to introduce
participants to the concept of the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) as
defined in the Kyoto Protocol.
Since this workshop, Canada and Chile have signed a Memorandum of Understanding
on Climate Change Activities (April 2002), and both Parties have ratified
the Kyoto Protocol (Chile in August of 2002 and Canada in December of
2002). Furthermore, negotiations between Parties have resulted in the
elaboration of key features of the CDM.
Parties have therefore agreed to hold a second seminar on the topic of
CDM with a view to promoting the initiation of CDM projects in Chile by
Canadian investors. The workshop will be organized by the Canadian CDM/JI
Office and CONAMA at the beginning of 2004.
Estimated cost: In-kind contribution of CONAMA and Environment
Canada officials plus travel costs, interpretation, printing and facility
rental – approximately Cdn $10,000
Expected results:
- Improved awareness of CDM opportunities in Chile and potential
Canadian investors.
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 meeting of Health and Environment Ministers of the Americas (HEMA)
was held 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
03.4.1 Second Policy Forum on Health and Environment
As mentioned above, 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 this project,
Chilean and Canadian government officials from both health and environment
sectors will hold a policy forum to discuss key emerging issues in the
area of health and environment.
Estimated cost: $ 20,000
Expected results:
- Improved understanding of how health and environmental issues
are coordinated in each country
- Improved inter-sectoral cooperation at national levels
- Close examination of relevant and emerging topics in the area
of health and environment
- Generation of potential themes or projects for future cooperation
and discussion
3.4.2 Air Quality Index
This project builds on the outcome and follow up to the first Health
and Environment Policy Forum which explored air quality issues. Following
the Forum, a bio-statistician from Health Canada returned to Chile to
provide CONAMA and MINSAL officials with training in bio-statistical methods.
Under this project the senior Health Canada official will continue the
work with CONAMA, SESMA, and MINSAL. The purpose of the project would
be to develop short term (day) forecasts of ambient air pollution concentrations
and interpret these forecasts in terms of population health risks (i.e.
tomorrow will be a high, medium or low health risk day).
Also, this project will identify the several environmental indicators
related to health and air quality using the DPSEEA framework of environmental
health (DPSEEA stands for Driving Forces, Pressures, State, Exposure,
Effect, and Actions), in order to assess the institutional management
of the diverse stakeholders engaged.
Estimated cost: In-kind contribution of CONAMA and travel costs of 1
senior Health Canada official– approximately Cdn $4, 000.
Expected Results
- Progress towards the development of a database of daily particulate
data based on TEOM measurements, nitrogen dioxide, sulphur dioxide, carbon
monoxide and ozone in several Chilean cities.
- Progress towards the development of an air-health indicator or
measure of air pollutant attributable-risk of adverse health effects over
time and space in conjunction with measures of ambient concentrations.
- Link different Air Quality Indices, using the DPSEEA framework
- Improved knowledge on the relationship between short-term exposure
to air pollution and mortality.
- Improved ability to identify vulnerable populations.
1. Cooperative activities of 4th Work Program of the CCCEC (2003-2005)
| Project no |
Project title |
|
|
| |
|
Estimated costs
Chilean pesos |
Estimated costs
Cdn dollars |
| 03.1 |
Enforcement and compliance |
|
|
| 03.1.1 |
NEMISIS |
9 930 000 |
20 000 |
| 03.1.2 |
Environmental Indicators |
8 940 000 |
18 000 |
| 03.1.3 |
Management of Migratory Birds |
4 470 000 |
9 000 |
| 03.1.4 |
Environmental Valuation Reference Inventory |
3,980,000 |
8,000 |
| |
|
|
|
| 03.2 |
Public Participation |
|
|
| 03.2.1 |
Environmental Impact Assessment |
10 430 000 |
21 000 |
| 03.2.2 |
Pollutant Release and Transfer Registry phase II |
2 980 000 |
10 000 |
| 03.2.3 |
Dissemination of Information on Environmental Management |
7 450 000 |
15 000 |
| 03.2.4 |
Building Capacities in NGOs |
7 450 000 |
15 000 |
| |
|
|
|
| 03.3 |
Trade & Environment |
|
|
| 03.3.1 |
Trade & Environment Roundtables |
9 930 000 |
20 000 |
| 03.3.2 |
CDM Seminar |
4 950 000 |
10 000 |
| |
|
|
|
| 03.4 |
Health & Environment |
|
|
| 03.4.1 |
Health & Environment Policy Forum |
9 930 000 |
20 000 |
| 03.4.2 |
Chilean Air Quality Index |
1 990 000 |
4 000 |
| |
|
|
|
| TOTAL |
|
84 215 000 |
170 000 |
| |
|
Chl pesos |
Cdn $
|
| |
|
|
|
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.
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