14.1.3.2. Trade Agreements
Several trade agreements exist in the region and have important effects on
the economy and, indirectly, on the environment of the region. The most important
of these agreements are listed in Table 14-3. Regional
intergovernmental agreements could be an important mechanism for adaptation
to climate change in Latin America. Agreements such as the one developed for
conservation of water, the environment, and natural disaster management in the
Central American isthmus (Central American Integration System—SICA) could
be interpreted as a way to coordinate sectorial adaptation to different climatic
conditions. During the South American presidential meeting in August 2000, leaders
attempted to consolidate efforts for the region's political and economic
integration, with emphasis on free trade. Because natural disasters cause a
decline in productive capacity and increase demand for strong public and private
investment in reconstruction, imports are likely to increase and exports are
likely to fall, leading to a trade deficit. Disasters such as floods, droughts,
and hurricanes also may lead to a significant increase in food product prices
if production and distribution are disrupted (IDB, 2000).
There also have been other agreements on the technological and scientific agenda,
such as initiatives to foster research on global and climate change and environmental
issues. The Inter-American Institute for Global Change (IAI) supports research
initiatives to document climate variability and change characteristics and their
societal impacts in the Latin American and Caribbean region.
| Table 14-3: Important trade agreements
in Latin America region. |
 |
| Agreement |
Participating Countries
|
Notes
|
|
| Asociación Latinoamericana de Libre Comercio (ALADI) |
Spanish speaking countries of the region |
Not a particularly active agreement. |
| Pacto Andino (Andean Pact) |
Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela |
Tends to eliminate duties in a gradual way. Has incorporated an environment
unit and places increasing attention on environmental issues. |
| Mercosur |
Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay |
Bolivia and Chile are associate members. Tends to eliminate duties in
a gradual way. Future common currency under consideration. |
| Central American Common Market |
Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua |
One of the oldest trade agreements. Plans to convert to a free-trade
zone. |
| North America Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) |
Mexico, plus Canada and USA |
Very successful for expanding trade. Strict environmental considerations.
Plans call for expansion to all Latin American countries. |
| Bilateral agreements |
Several pairs of countries or groups |
Environmental considerations
increasingly important, especially in agreements with the European Union. |
|
|