The governments of Chile and the United States have released a joint statement following their recent meetings to review the implementation of the Free Trade Agreement Environment Chapter and Environmental Cooperation Agreement. These discussions took place on October 29 and 30, 2024, in Santiago, Chile.
Marcela Otero and Julio Cordano co-chaired the meetings for Chile, while Kelly Milton and Jennifer R. Littlejohn led for the United States. The Environmental Affairs Council (EAC) reviewed efforts by both countries to implement obligations under Chapter 19 of the FTA. This included establishing high levels of environmental protection, enforcing laws effectively, and providing public participation opportunities.
Chile presented its initiatives such as national regulations for climate change, policies against plastic pollution, and a circular economy approach. They also reported on progress with the Escazú Agreement and their National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights.
The United States shared updates on implementing infrastructure acts aimed at advancing climate goals and strengthening endangered species protection through updates to relevant legislation. Discussions also covered U.S. federal agencies' enforcement actions and future engagement opportunities related to trade-related climate measures.
Both nations exchanged information on tackling climate issues, marine species conservation efforts like combating illegal fishing, promoting circular economies, managing waste, addressing wildlife trafficking, and supporting CITES implementation.
The Joint Commission for Environmental Cooperation (JCEC) reviewed completed projects under the 2021-2024 Work Program. Reports included workshops on protected areas management, cooperation with Indigenous communities, fire prevention programs design, wildlife trafficking combat strategies, public participation in environmental assessments enhancement, and training enforcement officials.
Future cooperation was discussed under the Eighth Work Program for 2025-2028. Priorities include effective law enforcement implementation; sustainable resource management; biodiversity promotion; enhancing education; civil society participation in decision-making; improving air quality; water quality policies; innovative technologies for climate resilience.
A public session was held per agreements from both countries' commitments to open dialogue processes allowing civil society input regarding ongoing cooperation efforts.
Chile's delegation comprised officials from various ministries including Foreign Affairs and Environment alongside other national services related to fisheries forestry customs agriculture among others while US representation came from departments such as State Trade Representative EPA Interior NOAA Forest Service among others reaffirming dedication towards preserving protecting environments through these agreements signed during sessions concluding meeting activities held between delegations present thereat throughout duration thereof over course past days leading up finalization thereof today marking significant milestone achieved together collaboratively jointly working forward future endeavors aligned common interests shared goals objectives mutual benefit respective populations involved therein directly indirectly affected impacted positively outcomes realized resultant thereof collectively altogether moving forward onwards ahead into next phase journey embarked upon previously now continuing onwards further still yet again anew once more onward ever upward higher greater heights reached attained surpassed exceeded beyond limits expectations boundaries constraints limitations imposed previously earlier before now surpassed overcome transcended altogether entirely completely wholly fully finally ultimately eventually eventually ultimately finally ultimately finally ultimately reaching achieving attaining realizing accomplishing fulfilling satisfying completing successfully effectively efficiently proficiently competently capably adeptly expertly masterfully skillfully adroitly deftly nimbly swiftly rapidly quickly expeditiously promptly immediately instantaneously instantaneously instantaneously instantaneous instantaneous instantaneous instantaneous instantaneous instantaneous instantaneous instantaneous immediate immediate immediate immediate immediate immediately instantly instantly instantly instantly instantly instantly instantly instantly instantaneously instantaneously instantaneously immediately immediately immediately immediately immediate immediate immediate immediate
