VANCOUVER — Leaders from British Columbia, California, Oregon and Washington recently gathered in Vancouver at the inaugural Leaders’ Forum of the Pacific Coast Collaborative and signed a series of joint actions that will, among other things, protect the west coast’s marine environment.
Established by Gordon Campbell, B.C.’s premier, and Pacific Coast governors in June 2008, the group’s founding agreement pledges that participating governments forge a partnership for leadership and cooperative action, building a common voice on issues affecting the Pacific Coast region.
The meeting was hosted by Campbell and chaired by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger of California; Governor Christine Gregoire of Washington and Secretary of State Kate Brown, representing the state of Oregon, and Governor Ted Kulongoski also attended.
“The agreements signed today are an important step towards advancing North America’s West Coast as a global leader in the new low-carbon economy, ocean health, renewable energy and transportation,” said Campbell.
Schwarzenegger added: “The actions we are taking today will build a stronger economy and a stronger environment for communities throughout the Pacific region and beyond.”
Two action plans were signed by the leaders: The Action Plan on Ocean Conservation and Coastal Climate Change Adaptation, which focuses on co-operation on invasive species, reductions in toxins and other pollutants, promoting sustainable fisheries management and research into impacts from climate change and adaptation options.