Trade & Environment – New Zealand Approach

Kerryn LangMinistry for the EnvironmentNew Zealand

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New Zealand Approach• Overarching Framework: 2001• Purpose: to promote sustainable development• Flexible & practical

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NZ Environment Agreements• New Zealand – Thailand Closer Economic

Partnership → 2005• Trans-Pacific Strategic Economic Partnership

(Brunei, Chile, New Zealand & Singapore) → 2005

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Implementation – Practical arrangements• Lead Agency: Ministry for the Environment

• National Contact Points: essential for communication & coordination

• Early focus: establishing relationships

• Meeting of Parties: within 1st year of implementation

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Implementation – getting started

• Identifying interests– Areas to seek assistance– Areas of expertise to offer

• Identifying areas of mutual interest

• Agreeing priorities

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Implementation – capacity building

• Environmental Impact Assessment Workshop (Brunei/NZ)

• Transport Management Study Tour (NZ/Thailand/Singapore)

• Management of Packaging Waste Study Tour x2 (Singapore/NZ)

• Fresh Water Management Study Tour (Thailand/NZ)

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Implementation – new opportunities

• Promoting environment interests in private sector:– Capacity building– Research partnerships– Business opportunities

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New Zealand Approach - benefits• Flexible:

– Government priorities– Resources

• Practical:– 4+ projects in 1 year– Private sector engaged– Coordination between parties

• Adaptable