Council Decision 2013/755/EU on the association of the overseas countries and territories with the European Union (“Overseas Association Decision”). Country/Territory European Union Document type Regulation Date 2013 Source FAO, FAOLEX Original source Official Journal of the European Union L 344, 19 December 2013, pp. 1-118. Subject Energy, Environment gen., Fisheries, Forestry, Water, Wild species & ecosystems, Waste & hazardous substances Keyword Energy conservation/energy production Renewable energy Climate change Hazards Gender Sustainable development Human rights Cultural heritage Fishery management and conservation Forest management/forest conservation Sustainable use Waste management Freshwater resources management Ecosystem preservation Management/conservation Biodiversity Protection of habitats Endangered species Protection of species Geographical area European Union Countries Abstract This Decision establishes an association of the overseas countries and territories (OCTs) with the Union, which constitutes a partnership to support the OCTs’ sustainable development as well as to promote the values and standards of the European Union. In pursuing those objectives, the association shall respect the fundamental principles of liberty, democracy, human rights and fundamental freedoms, the rule of law, good governance and sustainable development (art. 3, paragraph 3). Article 10 (2) refers to equality between men and women. The areas of cooperation cover environmental issues, climate change and disaster risk reduction. In the context of the association, cooperation in the field of sustainable management and conservation of biodiversity and ecosystem services may concern: (a) the promotion of the establishment and effective management of marine and terrestrial protected areas and improved management of existing protected areas; (b) the encouragement of sustainable management of marine and terrestrial resources, which contribute to protecting species, habitats and ecosystem functions outside protected areas, in particular, endangered, vulnerable and rare species; (c) the strengthening of conservation and sustainable use of marine and terrestrial biodiversity and ecosystems. Further areas involved are sustainable forest management, sustainable management of fish stocks, sustainable water management, waste management and energy. Full text English Website europa.eu