Collaborative environmental work connecting science, justice, and sustainability

COMMISSION FOR ENVIRONMENTAL COOPERATION

Three countries working together to protect our shared environment in support of sustainable development for the benefit of present and future generations.

In the Spotlight

International Monarch Monitoring Blitz

Every Observation Matters!

The International Monarch Monitoring Blitz is a community science initiative open to anyone in North America. Each year, the Monarch Blitz takes place over a 10-day period, starting on the last Friday of July and ending on the Sunday of the following week.

International Monarch Monitoring Blitz

Who we are

A unique trinational organization advancing a regional approach to environmental cooperation and creating linkages across Canada, Mexico and the United States to address emerging and complex environmental challenges.

Strengthen the protection of the environment

Foster sustainable development

Facilitate knowledge exchange

Develop tools and resources

Promote inclusive and diverse public engagement

About Us Our Impact

What we do

CEC projects bring together experts, governments and communities to share knowledge, build capacity, pilot scalable solutions and strengthen cooperation, turning shared goals into action for North America’s environment.

Areas of Work

Cross-cutting Themes

All Projects

Featured Project

Community-led Environmental Education Initiative for Biocultural Heritage Protection

2022 Active Sustainable Living and Economies

North America is experiencing a diverse array of socio-environmental and economic challenges due to ecosystem degradation and climate change. These challenges disproportionately affect systemically vulnerable communities, including Indigenous communities and minority groups. Addressing these issues requires a comprehensive approach that recognizes the region’s economic, ecological, cultural and social diversity. Sustainable...

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Environmental Education Initiative

Featured Publication

Milestone Study on Post-Consumption Paper and Cardboard Waste Management and Secondary Markets in Mexico — Full Report

Transforming Recycling and Solid Waste Management in Mexico

August 10, 2026 102 pages Sustainable Living and Economies

This study focuses on the treatment of post-consumer paper and cardboard waste from commercial and residential sources in Mexico. This publication describes the value chain, infrastructure, handling and primary and secondary markets for paper and cardboard and documents the current state of waste recovery and recycling among the population in the country. It also includes a summary of current public policies and regulations within a circular economy (CE) framework. Best practices in waste management that could be applied based on the recommendations and findings of this study are also identified with the goal of providing information for decision-makers.

This publication is part of the project: Transforming Recycling and Solid Waste Management in North America. The Commission for Environmental Cooperation (CEC) commissioned a series of milestone studies on the recycling and management of paper and cardboard, plastics, and bioplastics waste for Canada and the United States, and for Mexico. A pilot study on composting poly-coated fiber food packaging for Canada and the United States complements this series. Together, these publications aim to accelerate the adoption of CE practices and promote strategies for the sustainable management of these materials, generating economic and environmental benefits across the region.

The complete report is available in English and Spanish, but you can consult the executive summary in English, Spanish, and French.

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