Framework for Cooperation between the U.S. Department of the Interior and Environment Canada in the Protection and Recovery of Wild Species at Risk, Washington, DC, 1997
Done at Washington, DC 7 April 1997
Primary source citation: Copy of text provided by the U.S. Department of State
The goal of this framework is to prevent populations of wild species shared by the United States and Canada from becoming extinct as a consequence of human activity, through the conservation of wildlife populations and the ecosystems on which they depend.
THE UNITED STATES AND CANADA:
• share a common concern for and commitment to the protection and recovery of wild species at risk of extinction;
• have a long history of cooperation in the management of shared populations of wildlife and plants, as demonstrated by collaborative efforts for the recovery of endangered migratory species such as the whooping crane (Grus americana) and the piping plover (Charadrius melodus);
• recognize that greater success in protecting and recovering shared populations of species at risk can be achieved through cooperative, coordinated action; and
• acknowledge that conservation action is most often effective when implemented using a multi species approach at the landscape level.
THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR AND ENVIRONMENT CANADA ANNOUNCE A FRAMEWORK FOR COOPERATIVE ACTION TO:
I. facilitate the exchange of information and technical expertise regarding the conservation of species at risk and their habitat;
II. harmonize the evaluation and identification of such species;
III. provide a means of identifying species at risk that require bilateral action;
IV. promote the development and implementation of joint or multi-national recovery plans for species identified as endangered or threatened;
V. encourage expanded and more effective partnerships between our two agencies and states, provinces, and territorial, aboriginal and tribal governments, and the private sector (individuals, conservation groups, corporations, etc.) in recovery efforts;
VI. create greater public awareness and involvement regarding the need to conserve wildlife populations and the ecosystems on which they depend, and to prevent the loss of shared species; and
VII. use the cooperative arrangements established in the Trilateral Committee for Wildlife and Ecosystem Conservation and Management to provide a mechanism for establishing mutual priorities, coordinating recovery actions, and ensuring efficient use of available resources for the protection and recovery of species at risk.

The implementing agencies for this framework are the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service of the U.S. Department of the Interior and the Canadian Wildlife Service of Environment Canada.
In recognition of the continental nature and importance of many species at risk, and existing partnerships, the United States and Canada intend to invite the participation of Mexico in this framework.
Signed at Washington, D.C.
This 7th day of April 1997;
For the United States of America For Canada
Department of the Interior Department of the Environment

[Signature] [Signature]
Secretary Bruce Babbitt Minister Sergio Marchi

1216 The Marine Mammal Commission Compendium