ENVIRONMENTAL COOPERATION ACTION PLAN

BETWEEN

THE GOVERNMENT OF CANADA
AND
THE GOVERNMENT OF THE PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA 

BACKGROUND AND PROGRESS

In November 1998, the Government of Canada and the Government of the People's Republic of China (hereinafter referred to as the Parties) signed The Framework Statement for Cooperation on Environment into the 21st Century (hereinafter referred to as "the Framework Statement"). This is an important document, which will guide our bilateral environmental cooperation relationship into the 21st Century.

Since the signature of the Framework Statement in November 1998, the Parties have implemented the following projects and activities:

  • On 9 - 11 December 1998, the Chinese Meteorological Administration (CMA) and Environment Canada co-sponsored a Workshop on Atmospheric Observing Systems which explored the application of new technologies, telecommunications networks, data processing and dissemination systems, as well as network strategy.
  • On 22 - 25 March 1998, a Workshop on Pollution Control Technologies for the Hai River Basin was convened in Beijing and addressed such issues as waste water reutilization, ecosystem approaches to water management and pollution prevention.
  • On 30 March - 2 April, with Canadian assistance, an International Model Forest Network workshop was held in Zhejiang to explore the possibility for Linan to join the International Model Forest Network.
  • On 5 - 18 April 1999, a CMA delegation visited Canada. The visit included dialogue and exchange on modernization, disaster preparedness, commercial activities and remote sensing, and provided an opportunity to focus on innovative technology and networks related to climate change science and environmental predictions including air quality, adaptation and impacts.
  • On 12 - 13 April 1999, a Sino-Canadian workshop on Advancing Joint Collaboration on Climate Change was convened in Beijing. The objectives of the workshop were to help the Parties to identify potential cooperation activities, develop a better understanding of China's capacity building and technology needs and explore technological solutions to these needs.
FUTURE COOPERATION

Under the umbrella of the Framework Statement, the Parties have agreed on the main elements of a joint Action Plan for 1999-2000. Elements of this Action Plan build on efforts related to a number of specific bilateral agreements including the General Agreement on Development Cooperation between the Government of Canada and the Government of the People's Republic of China; the Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperative Meteorological Programs; the Memorandum of Understanding on Environmental Cooperation and the Memorandum of Understanding on Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency.

The elements of the Action Plan reflect a mutual interest in expanded cooperation on a broad array of priority environmental issues and a desire to develop and implement cooperation projects to address the challenges associated with sustainable development and environment. This approach has benefited both countries through ongoing cooperative accomplishments in priority environmental areas including energy efficiency; cleaner production; disaster mitigation; as well as natural resources conservation and watershed management which, among other things, serve to enhance carbon sinks. This Plan also reflects the successful working relationship that has developed through the China Council for International Cooperation on Environment and Development (CCICED) in support of the Chinese government's efforts to promote sustainable development.

The parties, through the involvement of various ministries, agencies and stakeholders on both sides, will actively promote and pursue the cooperation on the following projects and activities:

1. Energy and environment

  • Clean energy and energy efficiency; inter-governmental research and cooperation on technological exchanges for clean energy, energy efficiency and alternative sources of energy which will help reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions;
  • Urban air quality: inter-governmental research and cooperation on air quality monitoring and gradual mitigation of urban air pollution from the perspective of energy utilization.
2. Pollution prevention
  • Cleaner production;
  • Environmental technological verification - to develop policy options to set up a program in China for environmental technological verification.
3. Utilization and management of natural resources
  • Integrated poverty reduction and biodiversity protection in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region;
  • Sustainable agriculture and livestock production in the grasslands of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region;
  • Flood prevention and water resources management;
  • Rehabilitation of small watersheds;
  • Sustainable forestry;
  • Sustainable management of China's nature reserves - to support the implementation of China's Agenda 21 and Biodiversity Action Program through recommendations of policies to improve the establishment and management of nature reserves in China that protect biodiversity while supporting sustainable development.
4. Capacity building
  • Assist with building the capacity of institutions in China, such as CAM, in the management of human resources, risk analysis, performance measures and the integration of complex systems;
  • Linkages between researchers by sharing research methods and technologies, collaborating on research themes, the exchanges of research data and results and improved modelling;
  • Environmental management of public sector operations.
5. China Council for International Cooperation on Environment and Development
  • To continue strengthening the activities under the framework of the CCICED;
6. Others

The Parties, through consultations involving various ministries, agencies and stakeholders, will develop and implement other projects of mutual interest.

THE WAY FORWARD

In addition to proceeding with the above initiatives, both Parties are in the process of establishing the Canada-China Joint Committee on Environment Cooperation so as to better coordinate activities and projects. The Canadian side will follow a strongly coordinated Team Canada approach with Environment Canada leading and many agencies, departments and stakeholders involved in the work of the Joint Committee. The Chinese side will be led by the State Environmental Protection Administration, with many agencies involved in the work of the Joint Committee.

The Inaugural Meeting will be held in China in the summer or fall of 1999. Canada agrees to host the second meeting in March 2000 in Vancouver. At the first meeting, the Joint Committee will review progress to ensure that the Framework Statement remains responsive to emerging environmental problems of mutual concerns.

Done in triplicate in Ottawa on April 16 1999, in the English, French and Chinese languages. Each version is equally authentic.

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For the Government of Canada For the Government of the
People's Republic of China