Joint Statement by New Zealand and the United States following the Third Visit under the US/New Zealand Bilateral Climate Change Partnership

Three new projects have been announced today under the US/New Zealand Bilateral Climate Change Partnership.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade Deputy Secretary Caroline Forsyth, Ministry for the Environment General Manager Maryanne Macleod, and US Senior Climate Negotiator and Special Representative Dr Harlan Watson, made the announcement today during the third visit under the partnership.

The purpose of the partnership, launched in 2002, is to enhance and accelerate collaboration and practical cooperation on climate change issues.

The new projects focus on the exchange of scientific data, information and tools that can assist decision making and enable the efficient management of ecosystems in the context of climate variability and change. The projects encompass:

• Collaboration on the Pacific Biodiversity Information Forum
• Integrating data systems and sharing biodiversity expertise in the development of regional Ocean Biogeographic Information Systems
• Joint work on databases and information on invasive species and their management

During their visit to New Zealand, the US delegation met with New Zealand scientists and officials, updated existing projects, and visited projects at Industrial Research Limited, Coal Research Limited, National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research, and Landcare Research. The delegation will also visit Antarctica New Zealand and Lincoln University.

Dr Watson led the US delegation, which included senior representatives from the Department of State, Department of Energy, Department of Agriculture, the US Geological Survey, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and Kansas State University.

The US/NZ Bilateral Climate Change Partnership focuses on nine priority areas: climate change science and monitoring; technology development; emission unit registries; greenhouse gas accounting in forestry and agriculture; engaging with business; developing country assistance; climate change research in Antarctica; public education initiatives; and development of joint product and process standards.

The first round of 26 projects was launched two years ago following a US delegation visit to Wellington. A second round of six new projects was agreed to last year on a return visit to Washington by a New Zealand delegation.

For more information, contact Emma Reilly, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade media adviser (emma.reilly@mfat.govt.nz), or Janine Burns, Embassy of the United States of America (burnsj@state.gov).