Trade Capacity Building and DR-CAFTA

Humane Society International Humane Society International (HSI) is the international affiliate of The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS). HSI/HSUS have over 9 million members and constituents in the U.S. and a significant global presence. HSI/HSUS is a non-profit organization founded over 50 years ago with a mission of protecting all animals. HSI/HSUS work on a number of international matters including inhumane practices and conditions affecting companion and farm animals, the economic benefits of humane transport and slaughter, veterinary services in rural communities, illegal trade in wildlife, threats to endangered species, and humane and wildlife education. The HSUS and HSI also work on international treaties and international trade policy. HSUS/HSI is a member of the Trade and Environment Policy Advisory Committee (TEPAC), which provides guidance on international trade and environment policy to the U. S. Trade Representative (USTR) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Trade Capacity Building Trade Capacity Building: The U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) has recognized that there is a significant need for trade capacity building when the U.S. negotiates free trade agreements (FTAs) with developing countries. USTR has also recognized that it needs additional partners to build trade capacity - multilateral banks, international institutions, NGOs and the private sector.

Trade Capacity Building As a result, when negotiating FTAs with developing countries, USTR has included a trade capacity building table during the negotiation rounds. At the TCB table, countries meet with the U.S. government agencies and other partners to provide their development priorities. Humane Society International (HSI) has participated in this TCB process for CAFTA and the US – Andean FTA Negotiations.

Global Alliance for Humane Sustainable Development CAFTA Capacity Building: unique and historic opportunity for the U.S. Government and NGOs to partner in support of Central America. USAID/HSI Alliance: Regional focus and national action to support trade-related development activities. HSI & local partners: Developing public, private, and NGO partnerships for trade capacity and animal/environment conservation and protection.

HSI and Capacity Building HSUS/HSI has launched a strong capacity building effort for the DR-CAFTA and TCB in general. HSUS/HSI is committed to these programs and has established a separate Central American NGO – Global Alliance for Humane and Sustainable Development – to strengthen operations in the region.

Programs 1.CITES Enforcement 2.Outreach and Education 3.Humane Agriculture and Tourism - Regional programs for Central America - National projects in Costa Rica, Nicaragua, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras - Design and implementation with NGOs, national government, and private sector partners

Regional CITES conference for Central America, Dominican Republic and Panama. Joint support with Ministries of Trade and Environment. Customs and National Police Training. Rescue center support and wildlife focus. CITES Enforcement Program Areas Outreach & EducationHumane Ag

CITES training National Workshops in Central America. Training of government representatives, customs officials, and NGOs. Joint material development with local administrative authorities.

Rescue Centers Institutional Strengthening. Development of educational materials and outreach campaigns. Work on animal handling techniques for confiscated animals.

Trade and environment outreach NGO networking and civil society participation Educational programs and material development Program Areas CITES EnforcementOutreach & EducationHumane Ag

NGOs & Civil Society NGOs and the mayors office join national government representatives and HSI for CAFTA environmental discussion in Esteli, Nicaragua Strengthening NGO participation in trade policy Promoting institutional civil society participation in trade, environmental, and capacity building policy-making Facilitating educational efforts and NGO networking

Humane Slaughter and Production Local links to tourism and conservation Rural area veterinary services Sustainable/Organic Agriculture Program Areas CITES EnforcementOutreach & EducationHumane Ag

Humane Slaughter Improved animal handling at farm, transport, auction, and slaughter can reduce production costs and increase meat quality. Support for national animal welfare law & regulation development. Economic impact studies Industry MOUs and pilot National 5-year industry plan

Welfare systems development On-site education and technical assistance for farming, transport, auction, and slaughter. Animal welfare training of trainers and education campaign with private sector, universities, and government representatives

CACAO Production & Habitat Through its partner CRCOCOA, HSUS/HSI provides training and certification for small organic cacao producers in Central America. Organic cacao production provides an important habitat for animals including migratory and native bird species.

Cacao Program Description Goal: Build capacity for improved production of higher-value and animal-friendly cacao products. –Increase productivity and improve grain quality –strengthen financial planning and organizational management –incorporate environmentally friendly agro- forestry and land management practices –further develop market links

Cacao Program Description Phase I (2004) -Identification and documentation of associative schemes -Regional market development Phase II ( ) -Technical assistance -Organic transition -Local artisan chocolate production -Regional and international market development

CONCLUSION -Trade Capacity Building is important when negotiating free trade agreements between developed and developing countries. -As part of this process, governments must be willing to include NGOs and private sector partners not only in their policy development but also in their cooperation and assistance programs. -International NGOs have an opportunity to work together with developing country governments and local NGOs to develop civil society participation mechanisms and agriculture and environment programs.