U.S.-BRAZIL CAE - NEXT STEPS

UNCLAS BRASILIA 000144

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

STATE TO OES FOR LSPERLING
STATE TO WHA FOR WPOPP

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: SENV TSPA TBIO KSCA BR
SUBJECT: U.S.-BRAZIL CAE - NEXT STEPS

REF: 06 BRASILIA 2686


1. At the December 13, 2006, U.S.-Brazil Common Agenda for the
Environment (CAE) it was agreed that a Technical Work Group be
created under the CAE framework to review and coordinate
technical-level cooperation. This work group could meet at any time
but would report its work and seek policy guidance from CAE
principals. This format would allow bilateral technical efforts to
move forward within the ambit of CAE political considerations, but
without hindering progress on the ground. Minister Luiz Figueiredo,
Chief of the Environment Division of Itamaraty and head of the
Brazilian delegation at the CAE suggested the first meeting be held
in early 2007.


2. Post is ready to approach the Brazilians to get started on the
formation of this group. Our thinking is that initially and small
core group (3-4) from each side could meet to launch, bringing in
others down the road where needed. Since the role of this committee
is to review proposals for bilateral cooperation, proposed projects
could be circulated electronically for comment.


3. In light of limited travel resources, Post suggests that the
first meeting of the Technical Work Group be virtual, utilizing the
U.S. Embassy Brasilia Digital Video Conference (DVC) facilities
linked to the Bureau in Washington. With Department concurrence,
Post would like to propose to the Brazilians that the first
(virtual) meeting of the Technical Work Group take place the
beginning of March.


4. Post will need to present to the Technical Work Group a summary
of proposed bilateral collaborations for their review. In
preparation, Post is working with Brazil's Ministry of the
Environment (MMA) to flesh out further detail of their original
requests for technical assistance, initially outlined in Reftel (a).
Of the five areas listed, we have chosen three. We are preparing
two-page briefs with additional specifics relating to the requests
for technical assistance on water, the establishment and management
of parks and chemicals.


5. In our communications with the Ministry, we reiterate that we
are developing an outline for technical assistance without the
commitment of funds to support these activities. Once a framework
is developed, however, sources of funding may become available from
a variety of entities, including the Brazilians themselves.

SOBEL