|
2.1
What is the purpose of this chapter? This chapter summarizes the provisions of the
international agreements, treaties, and conventions for which we have
substantial responsibilities.
2.2 What
is the scope of this chapter? This chapter:
A. Focuses only on those
agreements for which International Affairs has significant input or
provides substantial logistical, financial, or diplomatic support during
the course of negotiations for these agreements, and
B. Does not describe domestic laws
that apply to these agreements.
2.3
What are the authorities for this chapter? See 530 FW 1 for a list of all the
authorities for Part 530.
2.4
What is the difference between a protocol, a treaty, and a convention?
A. The difference between a
protocol, treaty, and convention is:
(1) Protocol: A protocol is
an agreement that diplomatic negotiators formulate and sign as the basis
for a final convention or treaty. The treaty itself may not be completed
for many years.
(2)
Treaty: A
treaty is an agreement where the parties to it negotiate to reach common
ground and avoid further conflict or disagreement. It is normally ratified
by the lawmaking authority of the government whose representative has
signed it. In the United States, the Senate must ratify all treaties.
(3)
Convention: A
convention begins as an international meeting of representatives from many
nations that results in general agreement about procedures or actions they
will take on specific topics (e.g., wetlands, endangered species, etc.).
B. The Service usually is not an
active participant in treaties as this is the jurisdiction of the U.S.
Department of State. The U.S. Department of State may ask us for our
position on issues during the negotiation of a treaty.
C. We are active in a number of
conventions that involve issues specific to our mission, such as
conservation and protection of species and their habitats.
2.5
What are the principal protocols, treaties, and conventions for which the
Office of International Affairs is involved?
A. The agreements that represent
the bulk of the work we conduct in the International Affairs Program (see 530 FW 1 for other agreements)
are:
(1) The Convention on International
Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES),
(2) The Convention on Wetlands of
International Importance Especially as Waterfowl Habitat (Ramsar
Convention),
(3) The Convention
on Nature Protection and Wildlife Preservation in the Western Hemisphere,
and
(4) The Canada/Mexico/U.S.
Trilateral Committee for Wildlife and Ecosystem Conservation & Management.
B. See Exhibit
1 for detailed information about each of the agreements.
2.6.
Why are these agreements important to the Service? Although we focus on domestic
wildlife and its habitat, wildlife has no political boundaries. Ecological
and social importance of some species not native to the United States, migratory patterns, and global wildlife trade influence the long-term viability of
non-domestic species. Because the American people look to us as a world
leader in conserving species, Congress has enacted laws and ratified many
environmental and wildlife treaties that require us to perform activities
and complete projects that are international in scope.
|
