Mercosur ministers outline joint environmental strategy

Environment ministers from Southern Common Market (Mercosur) member states have worked out a strategy to promote shared environmental management, local media reported Tuesday. The strategy, initiated here during a meeting of the regional trade bloc's environment ministers, "is fundamental for the exchange of programs, activities and experiences," the Venezuelan Environment Ministry was quoted as saying in a statement. The ministers also discussed such issues as disaster risk management, waste management and the conservation of biological diversity, said the statement. "These strategic lines convey the commitment of the countries to environmental conservation, closely linked to social inclusion and poverty eradication in the region, (and) comprise the foundation for South-South cooperation," it added. Mercosur, a trade bloc in South America, groups Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay and Venezuela. An environmental working sub-group was established in 1995 to promote sustainable development in its member countries.