International Relations

The International Relations Committee stays informed on matters involving international affairs, including agreements, treaties, conventions, regulations, and the activities of IUCN and its more active affiliates. A major objective of the Association is to develop relations with Central and South American nations in the near future and involve them in Association activities. The Committee will develop suggestions to further this initiative. The Committee also assists in furthering Canadian and Mexican involvement in Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies' activities.

The committee is also responsible for monitoring potential developments on the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals negotiated in Bonn in June of 1979, especially any efforts to have the U.S. become a signatory party.

In addition, the committee works in close liaison with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Executive Vice President, the Association's Legal Counsel, and Legislative Director as appropriate.

The committee has continuing responsibility for developing recommended positions for the Association on any international matter it considers appropriate. It will continue to have lead responsibility for developing the Association's recommended positions, though it will rely on other committees for support and information when the international matter concerns species within the purview of those committees.

In the future, the committee plans to work towards exploring ways of involving nations beyond the North American hemisphere in the Association. The Republic of China has taken an active interest in the affairs of the Association and similar relationships with other nations would further the Association’s fish and wildlife conservation goals.

There is always frequent international activity for the Association, driven by a number of international partner organizations. The International Relations Committee should keep itself posted on these and report regularly to the Association's membership.

Contact

For more information about the International Relations Committee, contact Don McLaughlin at 202/624-7890 or donmac@fishwildlife.org.

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