The Federal Government has reaffirmed its cooperation agreement with the Mercosur countries and Chile to deploy a common environmental agenda. The reiteration of the pact occurred on the afternoon of Thursday, June 21, during a meeting held at Parque dos Atletas at Rio +20.

The executive-assistant of Brazil’s Ministry of Environment (MMA), Francisco Gaetani,  Argentina’s Secretary of Sustainable Development, Silvia Révora, and the head of Chile’s International Environment Department, Luis Javier Garcia, exchanged experiences and received the support of representatives of the civil society in the three countries.

The cooperation between the countries was highlighted by Mr. Gaetani as one of the main ways to implement effective conservation. "In Mercosur, as well as around the world, the process has been very fragmented. There will be an intense and permanent environmental agenda. It will be essential to work together," said the executive-secretary of the MMA.

Representatives of the neighboring countries reinforced the importance of the cooperation pact. "I see that the commitments between the countries are very tight and takes us to the correct path," said Silvia Révora, from Argentina. The Under-secretary of Environmental Policy in Argentina considers that "it was a success to reaffirm at Rio+20 the principles of Rio 92."

The Head of the Office of International Affairs of Chile’s Ministry of Environment was delighted with the conference and declared, "It was more than I expected; a good group with great willingness to do things together. I leave happy!" 

The first agreement was signed during the 14th Meeting of Environment Ministers of Mercosur, plus Chile as an Associate State, last November in Montevideo. The objective was to underline the "contributions to the preparatory process for the Rio+20 Summit."

With the reiteration of the pact, it was determined that the implementing environmental agenda will have as strategic axes; water, waste and climate change. Furthermore, the intention is to promote sustainable development linked to poverty reduction.