Canada–Chile Commission for Environmental Cooperation 2012 to 2013 annual report: chapter 2

Report on the Eighth Work Program and Budget

• Cooperative Activities
• Budget
• Future Work Program and Budget

This section outlines the cooperative activities undertaken by government experts from Canada and Chile and their partners between June 2012 and September 2013.  It also presents proposed projects for the year ahead.

Cooperative Activities

Theme 1: Contaminated Sites Management

Mine Site Remediation - Focus on Best Practices in Canada, Peru and Chile

No activities were undertaken on this project in 2012.   Opportunities for future collaboration are being explored for 2013-2014.

Theme 2: Migratory Birds

Saving the Endangered Red Knot: Status Assessment on its Major Wintering Areas in Tierra del Fuego

The population of Red Knots (Calidris canutus rufa), a trans-hemispheric migrant shorebird species “wintering” in southern South America and breeding in the central Canadian Arctic, fell from over 50 000 in the 1980s-2000 to approximately 10 000 by 2011 at major sites in Tierra del Fuego, a decline of 80% over the past decade.  Most of the remaining birds spend the non-breeding (northern winter) season at Bahia Lomas, Tierra del Fuego, Chile, a site discovered during Environment Canada shorebird “Atlas” surveys in the 1980s.  Owing to this decline, C. c. rufa was designated as Endangered by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada in April 2007 and has since been listed as Endangered under the Species at Risk Act.  The Red Knot is one of the most important shorebird species shared between Chile, Argentina and Canada, countries containing key habitats that are essential to the successful conservation and future survival of the species.  The Red Knot has long been considered a flagship species for shorebird conservation, owing to its trans-hemispheric migrations, dependence on a relatively small number of key wintering and stopover areas, and its vulnerability to a wide range of climatic and other environmental factors.  The Red Knot situation could be described as one of the defining shorebird conservation issues of our time.

In 2013, surveys with collaborating Chilean personnel found that the Red Knot population in Tierra del Fuego remains at a low ebb, and in fact showed a setback in 2013.  Whereas numbers rose an encouraging 30% from around 10 000 in 2011 to over 13 000 in 2012, the 2013 total fell again to just over 10 000, showing the population has not yet started any sustained recovery and remains at very low levels compared to the count of over 51 000 recorded in 2000 (Figure 1).  The most likely reason for the decrease in 2013 is thought to be a catastrophic breeding season during the summer of 2012, when the birds experienced very poor weather on the arctic breeding grounds.  Even more dramatic was the decrease observed at Rio Grande, Argentina, where increased shoreline disturbance has caused many changes in recent years.  In 2013, only just over 100 knots were found, compared to totals of 3 500-5 000 during the period 2000-2008 (Figure 2).

Figure 1. Counts of Red Knots in Tierra del Fuego, 1982-2013

Figure 2.  Counts of Red Knots at Rio Grande, Argentina, 1982-2013

Without annual surveys, it would be very difficult to gain an understanding of the factors causing population changes in any given year. This project thus provides the basic annual estimate of population size required and used by a wide range of activities, from research to conservation, and is essential for adaptive management. These results emphasize the ongoing need for conservation and management at key sites, particularly the main wintering area at Bahia Lomas in Chile.  Survey results were significant in the designation of Bahia Lomas as a RAMSAR site and as a Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve Network site, and have played a prominent part in the Management Plan that has been completed for the site. 

This work has also led to the establishment of the “Centro Bahia Lomas,” a research and interpretation centre (opened in April 2012) to support research and conservation in the area.  It has also supported the development of a management plan for Bahia Lomas, which incorporates new elements of environmental analysis and a thorough assessment of threats to the ecosystem and to the conservation of migratory birds and other species. This has fostered the development of a zoning proposal compatible with the RAMSAR site and their conservation objectives. 

During 2012, some of the proposed actions identified in the management plan were implemented in areas related to education, awareness and strengthening of the area of co-administration of the site Bahia Lomas, led by Santo Tomas University and MANOMET.

Although these conservation efforts are a positive development, many experts consider that the Red Knot situation has reached a crisis level.  As a result, ongoing survey work will play a key role in tracking the fate of the species and in providing essential, basic information required for the management and conservation of Red Knots and their habitats.

A number of technical reports have been developed in English and Spanish detailing conservation objectives for birds, vegetation and areas of freshwater runoff, which include key ecosystems for Red Knots (Calidris canutus rufa), Hudsonian Godwits  (Limosa haemastica) and other migratory neo-tropical birds, such as as Magellanic Oystercatchers (Haematopus leucopodus), Magellanic Plover (Pluvianellus socialis), and the Two-Banded Plover (Charadrius falklandicus).

Building a Sustainable Bird Banding Program in Chile

No activities were undertaken on this project in 2012.

Theme 3: Invasive Species

International Research and Training to Control the Spread of Didymo in Chilean and Canadian Rivers

Blooms of the benthic river diatom, Didymosphenia geminata, didymo (known as “rocksnot”), have been occurring with increasing frequency around the world with notable occurrence in pristine fishing rivers.  These unsightly gelatinous mats covering river bottoms have alarmed fishing enthusiasts and led to international efforts to combat infestations.  With didymo spreading to Chilean rivers in the Patagonia region, political leaders, environmentalists and academic researchers have been working actively to implement control measures.  In September 2010, Chile sponsored an international symposium in Puerto Varas on the didymo infestation, with a keynote speaker from Environment Canada.  At that time didymo was viewed as an invasive species.

Since then, Environment Canada experts have been analyzing data and publishing the results of experiments conducted during a collaborative project with New Zealand scientists.  These new findings have altered the view of what these blooms may represent and how they might be controlled.  Under the 2012-2013 Canada-Chile cooperative work program,  an Environment Canada scientist, Dr. Max Bothwell, travelled to Chile: 1) to discuss new perspectives on the causes of didymo blooms; and 2) to work with Chilean scientists interested in experiments and further research to demonstrate how blooms might (temporarily) be controlled. 

Cooperation in 2012-2013 focused on Dr. Bothwell’s participation in a seminar “Floraciones de Didymosphenia geminata: causas, consecuencias y remedios potenciales,” organized by the Environmental Sciences Center of the University of Concepción, November 29-30, 2012. His trip also included a field trip to the Baker River and BioBio River to explore possible sites for a didymo control trial, and meetings at the Universidad de Chile in Santiago, allowing for additional exchange of information and networking between scientists interested in controlling these algal blooms. 

Further cooperation is being proposed for the 2013-2014 Canada-Chile cooperative work program to continue sharing expertise and promoting collaboration in addressing this global challenge. This work will support the efforts of Chile’s National Service of Fisheries and Aquaculture, which has developed a plan to monitor and control the spread of didymo, and the Ministry of Environment’s outreach campaign focused on building awareness and publicizing measures to help control its spread.  

Theme 4: Air Quality and Water Management 

Support for the 2013 International Workshop on Air Quality Forecasting Research

Officials from Canada and Chile have been collaborating over the past year to organize the 2013 International Workshop on Air Quality Forecasting Research in Santiago, Chile (outcomes will be noted in the 2013-2014 Annual Report).

Theme 5: Climate Change

Ecological Restoration of Protected Areas as an Adaptation to Climate Change in Chile

In June 2012, Parks Canada and the Chilean Ministry of Environment signed an agreement aimed at enhancing national capacities for Ecological Restoration, as a discipline and adaptation mechanism facing climate change scenarios. A first project is focused on restoring important ecosystems in the iconic Torres del Paine National Park, one of the most heavily visited National Parks in South America, following the catastrophic fire of 2011 that destroyed approximately 20 000 hectares of the park’s native forest.  Work will continue until March 31, 2014.  The restoration includes plans to re-plant native vegetation and engage with visitors and the public in understanding how their efforts can contribute to enhancing the ecological integrity of the park, building resilience to climate change, and reducing fire risk. Canada is also supporting actions to conserve high Andean and coastal wetlands in protected areas in the Atacama and Valparaíso regions (Nevado Tres Cruces and El Yali Wetland, respectively) with a goal of reducing pressures on these important natural systems, thus helping to secure water supplies for wildlife and people.  

Landfill Waste Nationally Appropriate Mitigation Action

In support of Chile’s national waste strategy, the Center for Clean Air Policy (CCAP) worked with the Chilean government to develop and advance the implementation of the “Catalyzing Organic Waste Diversion in the Chilean Industries NAMA.” This initiative, supported by a contribution from Canada’s fast-start financing for climate change, aims to create a new market of organics diversion mainly from industrial sources, reduce the use of dumps, and promote source separation at the municipal level.  The objective of the NAMA is to eventually resolve organic waste management issues in the industrial sector, which is expected to represent more than 90% of total organic waste diverted.

Partnering with Chile’s national government, CCAP assessed the economic and environmental viability of organics diversion projects that generate energy and compost and thus reduce methane and other greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from waste degradation and fossil fuels replacement.  The studies demonstrated the beneficial potential impacts (social, technical and environmental) in developing these projects, and highlighted the need to have a coordinated effort between municipalities and industries to increase the feasibility of diversion projects. Two studies were conducted to assess the possibility of installing such a system. The main results are:

• Municipal wastes are not enough to develop valorization initiatives by themselves, basically because home collection with separation in sources requires many years of preparation. Currently, the useful organic wastes come from pruning, markets fairs, restaurants and hotels.
• The valorization projects cannot compete with fares applied by landfill sites in some areas of the country.
• Many industries are willing to undertake a proper disposal of their wastes; however, currently there are no alternatives available.

Based on these conclusions, Chile’s “Catalyzing Organic Waste Diversion in the Chilean Industries NAMA” aims to address barriers to facilitate the installation of a series of valorization projects using dry fermentation plants, a process that uses a closed treatment, power generation and compost products obtained from the harvesting process. Its goal is to create a new market and to show the technology that will allow companies to develop projects in the future independently.

Assessing the Impact of Soil Conservation Practices as a Basis to Develop a Nationally Appropriate Mitigation Action

At the request of Chile’s Ministry of Agriculture and Ministry of Environment, Chile’s Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones Agropecuarias (INIA), undertook a study to assess the carbon sequestration potential associated with state- and private-based soil management practices aimed at restoring degraded soils and facilitating more sustainable soil use in Chile.  The objective was to develop and present a proposal for a NAMA based on atmospheric carbon capture by soils.  Activities included research and analysis based on 567 samples from 67 sample sites representing 6 different administrative regions of Chile and comprising 5 different soil management schemes (forest tree plantations, organic agriculture, non-tillage, sewage sludge applications and agro-chemical agriculture).  The sequestration potential was compared to soil under pristine conditions. 

Although the low number of soil samples did not allow for definitive conclusions, the analysis indicated that pristine soils showed the highest carbon levels, closely followed by soils under organic agriculture practices. However, in dry climates, pristine soils may contain less carbon than managed soils, particularly if the managed soils are irrigated.  The researchers concluded that it is absolutely necessary to determine carbon capture indexes for soil types and climatic conditions, in order to be able to formulate a NAMA. It is anticipated that further research and analysis will need to be undertaken to further advance development of a NAMA. The project received financial support from the Government of Canada. 

Infrastructure Risk Assessment and Adaptation Planning in the Context of Climate Change

The Pontificia Universidad Católica in Chile (PUC) undertook an infrastructure risk assessment process aimed at supporting adaptation planning in the context of climate change, particularly to assess the behaviour of three cases of critical infrastructure facing extreme weather events and the design and planning requirements in those conditions. Activities were supported by a contribution from Canada’s fast-start financing for climate change.  This included the preparation of a report on climate change impacts and scenarios in Chile, a workshop to gather information on the vulnerability of Chilean infrastructure and the response capacity of the Ministry of Public Works, and a report assessing current and future risks in the context of climate change (including recommendations and a needs assessment for Chile’s Ministry of Public Works and the Ministry of Environment).  PUC also conducted seminars to disseminate a book that was published by the project, “Strategic Framework for the Adaptation of Infrastructure to Climate Change,” focusing on three case studies with an adaptation methodology for dams, ports and bridges, in four regions. The strategy is meant to inform the development of the Chilean Ministry of Public Work’s “Sector Plan for Adaptation to Climate Change.”

Other Cooperation

Climate Change Adaptation - Research in the Maipo Valley, Chile

On March 18, 2013, Canada’s International Development Research Centre (IDRC) and Environment Canada announced a new project to help safeguard water resources in the face of a changing climate. The Adaptation Research Initiative in Latin America and the Caribbean (ARI-Americas) is a $10 million CAD / $4.645 billion CLP[1]  three-year initiative which aims to build a strong base of evidence on adaptation options to safeguard water resources. This evidence will also inform decision-makers about the most effective use and targeting of climate change funding. The research projects will work to identify solutions for managing the water-related impacts of climate change and variability, such as flooding, melting glaciers, rising sea-levels, and more frequent and intense storms. Chile’s Centro de Cambio Global, at the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, received a grant of

$1 298 000 CAD / $603 156 000 CLP[2] for research on vulnerability and adaptation to climate change and variability in the Maipo Basin of central Chile. Main activities during 2012 were related to project planning and preparation, including development of the project’s timetable and milestones, monitoring and evaluating plan, media plan, and launching seminar.

Chile-Canada Glaciology Collaborative

In 2012, Canada and Chile worked together to develop a consensus approach and support technology transfer with respect to the study of peri-glacial features, large glacier systems and secular hydrological regime shifts characteristic of both countries. Both countries have glaciers in water-stressed regions.  Both countries have large icefield systems that are challenging to measure.  Each country has expertise that can aid the other.  Particularly, the project makes available researchers and equipment in each other's primary field season. Water is a critical issue for both countries and presents numerous policy development challenges: challenges that will be aided by the evolution of best practices and information on the state and fate of the glaciers in each country.

2012-2013 Budget

The costs of implementing the Agreement involve three areas: (1) cooperative activities, including the Council sessions and project implementation; (2) the Joint Public Advisory Committee (JPAC); and (3) the citizen submission process described in articles 14 and 15 of the Agreement. The costs of these budget items were shared by the Parties.

In addition to the amounts provided by the Commission, projects leveraged $1 630 907 CAD / $757 856 299 CLP[4] in contributions from other sources. Government officials and project partners provided 266 days of in-kind support to implement projects.  

The cost to operate the National Secretariats is not included above, nor are the in-kind contributions provided by the National Secretariats, the JPAC and the Joint Submission Committee. 

Future Work Program and Budget

The following is the proposed program and budget of the Commission for 2013-2014 and is subject to final approvals by both Parties:

Please consult the National Secretariats for more details on these proposed projects. 

[1] Based on March 31, 2013, exchange rates (1 CAD = 464.684 CLP).

[2] Idem.

^[3] Based on March 31, 2013, exchange rates (1 CAD = 464.684 CLP).

^[4]  Idem.

[5] Amounts reflect maximum expected contributions of the Commission and not the full cost of the project, which may include

in-kind or leveraged funding.  Amounts are based on the following exchange rate: 1 CAD = 464.684 CLP (March 31, 2013).

[6]This climate change project is being funded by the Canadian Fast Start Financing Program (which supports commitments under the 2009 Copenhagen Accord).