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

Stimulating Behavioral Changes to Reduce Food Loss and Waste (FLW) in North America and Expanded Promotion and Uptake of Related CEC FLW Resources

2024 Active Sustainable Living and Economies

The CEC Council has acknowledged the importance to further build upon the success of past CEC FLW projects, and continue to demonstrate CEC leadership and visibility to support FLW reduction in North America. Given this, the CEC continues its work on a new project with a focus on developing new...

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Featured Publication

Sharks and Marine Protected Areas in the Northeast Pacific

Strengthening Understanding and Spatial Protection Through Collaboration

October 8, 2025 50 pages Ecosystems

Sharks, rays, skates, and chimaeras are among the most vulnerable marine species globally, with many populations experiencing significant decline due to overfishing, habitat degradation, and a lack of effective management. Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) offer a promising tool for spatial conservation of these species, particularly when design is informed by shark biology, movement patterns, and life history characteristics, and when socioeconomic factors are considered.

To strengthen understanding and collaboration related to this topic in the Northeast Pacific, the Commission for Environmental Cooperation hosted two workshops that convened shark scientists and MPA practitioners from Canada, Mexico, and the United States in 2024 and 2025. This workshop report synthesizes the perspectives and insights of workshop participants, drawing attention to the importance of multidisciplinary and cross-jurisdictional collaboration.

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CEC Publication Cover: Sharks and Marine Protected Areas