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Background : About the Trilateral Committee

Preamble:

In 1996, a pioneering initiative was born out of a collective vision shared by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, established of the Canada/Mexico/US Trilateral Committee for Wildlife and Ecosystem Conservation and Management (Trilateral Committee). This historic memorandum of understanding aligns the three countries in a continental endeavor to safeguard invaluable North American wildlife and ecosystems.

Mission:


The Trilateral Committee is steadfastly committed to fostering a future where the rich biodiversity and ecological integrity of North America are conserved, celebrated, and sustained for generations to come.

Core Objectives:


Continental Collaboration: Strengthen and deepen cooperative ties between our countries, ensuring that our collective efforts in wildlife and ecosystem conservation are synergistic, effective, and sustainable.

Biodiversity Conservation: Safeguard the diverse species and ecosystems of North America by implementing robust conservation strategies, supporting research, and facilitating the recovery of endangered species and habitats.

Sustainable Management: Promote and implement science-based management practices that ensure the sustainable use and equitable sharing of our continent’s natural resources, balancing ecological needs with socio-economic considerations.
Climate Resilience: Enhance the resilience of our ecosystems and wildlife to the impacts of climate change through adaptive management strategies, research, and the development of innovative solutions.

Community and Stakeholder Engagement: Engage communities, indigenous peoples, and stakeholders in conservation efforts, recognizing and respecting their rights, knowledge, and practices, and ensuring their active participation in decision-making processes.

Education and Awareness:Foster a culture of conservation and ecological stewardship among our citizens through education, awareness-raising, and the promotion of responsible stewardship of our natural world.


Best Practices: Advocate for and facilitate the development of best practices that support robust wildlife and ecosystem conservation and management across our three countries.


International Cooperation: Engage in global dialogues and partnerships to enhance international cooperation in wildlife and ecosystem conservation by sharing our experiences and learning from others.


Vision:

We envision a North America where the harmonious coexistence of humanity and nature is not merely a dream but a lived reality; where our shared ecosystems and wildlife not only survive but thrive amidst our collective stewardship.


Values:

Unity: We believe in the power of trilateral collaboration, recognizing that our shared natural heritage transcends borders.
Respect: We honor and uphold the intrinsic value of all species and ecosystems, acknowledging their integral role in our shared environment and future.

Inclusivity: We are committed to inclusive conservation, ensuring that all voices, especially those of indigenous peoples and local communities, are heard and respected.

Integrity: We adhere to the highest standards of scientific, ethical, and organizational integrity in all our endeavors.

Innovation: We embrace innovative approaches and technologies in advancing our conservation and management efforts.
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Background : About the Trilateral Committee

In 1995, the wildlife conservation agencies of the United States, Mexico, and Canada signed a Memorandum of Understanding establishing the Canada/Mexico/US Trilateral Committee for Wildlife and Ecosystem Conservation and Management. This agreement formally brought together for the first time the three nations of North America, consolidating a continental effort for wildlife and ecosystem conservation and management.

The Trilateral Committee facilitates and enhances cooperation and coordination among the wildlife agencies of the three nations in projects and programs for the conservation and management of wildlife, plants, biological diversity, and ecosystems of mutual interest.  The Trilateral also facilitates the development of partnerships with other associated and interested entities. Delegations from each country come together annually for discussions on a wide range of topics, from joint, on-the-ground projects to issues of law enforcement to the development of information databases.

Discussions take place under the auspices of working tables that report to an executive body comprising the directors of the three wildlife agencies.  Because the issues important to the three nations change, working tables are established and discontinued as needed.  Currently, there are six active working tables: Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna (CITES), Ecosystem Conservation, Executive, Law Enforcement, Migratory Birds, and Species of Common Conservation Concern.

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