In the Spotlight
CEC Publishes Factual Record on the Effective Enforcement of Environmental Law Related to Submission SEM-21-002 (Vaquita Porpoise)
Tiohtià:ke (Montreal), 19 August 2025 — On August 18 the Secretariat of the Commission for Environmental Cooperation (CEC) published the factual record regarding submission SEM-21-002 (Vaquita Porpoise) filed on 11 August 2021 by the Center for Biological Diversity, Animal Welfare Institute, Natural Resources Defense Council, and Environmental Investigation Agency (“Submitters”), who asserted that Mexico is failing to effectively enforce its environmental laws with regard to conservation of the vaquita porpoise (Phocoena sinus).
Topics
Climate Change
Supporting emissions reduction and helping communities adapt to extreme weather events
Environmental Justice
The pursuit of environmental justice (EJ) aims to address historical inequities, marginalization and discrimination in how environmental benefits and burdens are enjoyed or suffered by certain communities.
Ecosystems
Working with communities to conserve and restore North America's terrestrial and marine ecosystems and priority species
Enforcement
Supporting enforcement and compliance with domestic environmental law and with multilateral environmental agreements
Sustainable Living and Economies
Advancing the sustainability of our economic activities and life choices by identifying and fostering alternatives that effectively integrate the environmental, social and economic dimensions for a just and resilient North America
Pollutants
Promoting clean air, water and land through prevention, reductions, and sound management of pollutant releases, toxic chemicals and hazardous waste
Youth Engagement
Over the years, the CEC has been committed to youth engagement and the efforts supported have provided youth with opportunities to raise awareness, provide tangible, sustainable, and innovative solutions for environmental issues in their communities, and influence CEC’s strategies, projects, and initiatives.
Indigenous Affairs
The Commission for Environmental Cooperation (CEC) recognizes the essential role that Indigenous Peoples and local communities play in environmental stewardship across Turtle Island, Madre Tierra, also known as North America. Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK), held by Indigenous Peoples, offers invaluable insights into sustainable practices, biodiversity conservation, environmental adaptability, and preparedness for environmental changes. The CEC is committed to fostering meaningful partnerships with Indigenous Peoples in Canada, Mexico and the United States, ensuring their perspectives and expertise are appropriately included in environmental decision-making and intentionally protected from misuse.
Featured Project
Transitioning Remote Communities to Renewable Energy
2022 Active Climate Change
Featured Publication
Milestone Study on Paper Waste Management in the US and Canada — Executive Summary
Transforming Recycling and Solid Waste Management in the US and Canada
June 20, 2023 16 pages Sustainable Living and Economies
The CEC has commissioned this series of three milestone studies as part of its “Transforming Recycling and Solid Waste Management in North America” project, with the goal of supporting Canada, Mexico and the United States in their efforts to promote circular economy and sustainable materials management approaches to encourage eco-design and increase product and material reuse, recovery and recycling rates.
These studies aim for better understanding of the opportunities in the recycling sector and secondary material markets for plastics, paper and bioplastics waste. These studies focus on Canada and the United States, and a separate set of studies focused on Mexico will be available in the coming months. Building on the results of these milestone studies and on input by key actors, a joint pilot project is currently underway in Canada and the United States with the purpose of assessing the feasibility of innovative technologies, policies and practices that can be adopted at scale across North America.
The complete report is available in English only, but you can consult the executive summary in English, Spanish, and French.
What We Do
We conduct research, provide tools and training, and provide a unique space for decision-makers and the public to engage on environmental policy issues affecting the North American region.