In the Spotlight
Our Impact
Explore how the CEC’s work over the years has delivered tangible environmental and social outcomes across North America — from scientific studies that guided environmental standards, regulations and policies in Canada, Mexico and the United-States, to trinational conservation strategies, community grants and geospatial mapping projects. Whether you’re a policymaker, conservation expert, researcher or simply interested in North American environmental cooperation, this page offers a comprehensive overview of not only what the CEC has achieved — but how and why those efforts have unfolded.
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. Our work is organized around four main areas:
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.
Private Sector Engagement
The private sector plays a critical role in driving economic prosperity, innovation and sustainable development.
Featured Project
Scoping: Uptake of Best Practices for Environmentally Sound Management of Spent Lead-Acid Batteries
2024 Active Sustainable Living and Economies
Featured Publication
Social Science Insights on Management Practices in the Central Grasslands of North America
A Literature Review
November 30, 2025 60 pages Ecosystems
The Central Grasslands of North America support critical biodiversity and human communities, yet continue to decline due to cropland conversion, climate change and other threats. This literature review synthesizes existing conservation social science research to better understand how grassland management decisions are made and how this knowledge can be more effectively integrated into conservation delivery. Using a systematic review approach, the literature review analyzes 104 sources, including peer-reviewed articles, technical reports and graduate theses, to identify common management behaviors, key factors influencing conservation decisions and barriers that limit participation.
This literature review is intended for conservation practitioners, researchers, policymakers and outreach professionals. It highlights gaps in current research, particularly the underrepresentation of Indigenous communities and marginalized voices, and emphasizes the need for more participatory, transdisciplinary approaches. The findings offer actionable insights to improve conservation program design, outreach strategies and collaboration, supporting more effective, equitable and locally grounded grassland conservation across the Central Grasslands.
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.