WASHINGTON – The United States and Chile held the ninth meeting of the Environmental Affairs Council (EAC) on August 22-23, 2022 under the United States-Chile Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and the seventh meeting of the Joint Commission for Environmental Cooperation (JCEC) under the United States-Chile Environmental Cooperation Agreement (ECA).
The EAC, chaired by Assistant United States Trade Representative for Environment and Natural Resources Kelly Milton, reviewed progress made by Chile and the United States in ensuring effective implementation of, and compliance with, the obligations in the Environment Chapter of the FTA. The JCEC, chaired by Department of State Assistant Secretary Monica Medina, discussed future cooperation under the Seventh Work Program for Environmental Cooperation for 2021-2024, which establishes a robust list of priorities for cooperative activities between the Parties.
The United States and Chile exchanged information and views regarding efforts to tackle the climate crisis; strengthen ocean conservation, including through combating illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, the recently concluded WTO Fisheries Subsidies Agreement, and enhance management of marine and coastal protected areas; circular economy approaches, including waste management and plastic pollution; and combating wildlife trafficking and supporting implementation of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
The public session on August 23 included wide participation from diverse sectors of civil society and business. The public session reflects both countries’ commitment to maintaining an open dialogue and participatory process. Both Parties provided updates regarding implementation of the Environment Chapter and ongoing and future environmental cooperation under the ECA. The session provided an opportunity for members of the public to offer comments and ask questions, both in person and online.
The Joint Communique is available here.
###
