Memorandum of Understanding between the National Park Service of the Department of the Interior of the United States of America and the National Parks Institute of the Ministry of Environment and Renewable Natural Resources of the Republic of Venezuela, Caracas, 1997
Done at Caracas 12 October 1997
Entered into force 12 October 1997
Primary source citation: Copy of text provided by the U.S. Department of State
The National Park Service of the Department of the Interior of the United States of America, hereinafter referred to as “NPS”, and the National Parks Institute of the Ministry of Environment and Renewable Natural Resources of the Republic of Venezuela, hereinafter referred to as “INPARQUES”;
Recognizing the mutual interest between NPS and INPARQUES, hereinafter referred to as the “Parties”, in the establishment and management of national parks, and other protected areas within their respective jurisdictions, for the purpose of conserving ecosystems and promoting ecotourism;
Taking into consideration the advantages of facilitating, coordinating and amplifying efforts in conservation, management and development of natural and cultural resources in parks of mutual interest;
Noting the mutual interest and strengthening cooperation between the Parties in the exchange of information and informal educational activities for the management and operation of parks;
Acknowledging the mutual objectives and interests of the Parties declared in the Agreement between the United States of America and the Republic of Venezuela on the Development and Facilitation of Tourism of September 27, 1989; the Convention Concerning the Protection of World Cultural and Natural Heritage of November 16, 1972; the Protocol for Specially Protected Areas and Wildlife of January 18, 1990, under the Convention on the Protection and Development of the Greater Caribbean Region, of March 24, 1993; the Convention on Nature Protection and Wildlife Preservation in the Western Hemisphere of October 12, 1940; and the five-year Memorandum of Understanding between the National Park Service of the Department of the Interior of the United States of America and the National Parks Institute of the Ministry of Environment and Renewable Natural Resources of the Republic of Venezuela on Cooperation and Management and Protection of National Parks and other Protected Natural and Cultural Heritage Sites of October 1, 1991;
Have Agreed as Follows:
ARTICLE 1
This Memorandum has as its objective the creation of a framework for cooperation between the Parties concerning the conservation of protected natural areas and their biodiversity, under the Jurisdiction of the Parties, respectively.
ARTICLE 2
1. The Parties will meet periodically as necessary alternating between the two countries, to discuss projects and possible areas for future cooperation.
2. Each Party will designate a Coordinator to direct, to approve and to monitor the progress of cooperative activities developed to accomplish the objectives outlined in this Memorandum. Documentation, in support of the proposed projects, may be submitted by either Party and will obtain a description, the objectives, a calendar of events and date of conclusion, required equipment and personnel and estimated costs for each Party.
3. Each project will be carried out under the supervision of a NPS and an INPARQUES team leader, selected respectively by each of the Parties. The team leaders will jointly develop and submit a final report on each project.
4. Any changes to the agreed projects will require the concurrence of both Coordinators.
ARTICLE 3
1. The forms of cooperative activities under this Memorandum may consist of the provision and exchange of information; participation in training courses, conferences, and symposia; professional exchanges in areas of mutual interest; and other forms of cooperative activities as mutually agreed upon.
2. The specific areas of interest for cooperative activities may include, but are not limited to:
A. Collaboration between the Parties in the planning, development, management and operation of protected natural parks for areas within their jurisdiction within their respective countries; and in the planning and design of visitor programs and facilities.
B. Specialized projects related to the management of protected natural areas, including, but not limited to, urban and mountain parks and marine coastal parks, for areas within their jurisdiction within their respective countries.
C. Exchange of information regarding the goals of this Memorandum and on other related areas concerning conservation and environmental protection mutually identified and accepted by the Parties.
D. Development of educational and public information focusing on the environment and in understanding protected natural areas within their jurisdiction within their respective countries.
3. For involvement requested by INPARQUES that extends into subjects outside the scope of NPS, NPS may, with the consent of INPARQUES, and to the extent consistent with existing laws, regulations and policies of the United States of America, endeavor to enlist the participation of other organizations or agencies of the United States of America in the development and implementation of activities within the scope of this Memorandum. For involvement requested by NPS that extends into subjects outside the scope of INPARQUES, INPARQUES may, with the consent of NPS, and to the extent consistent with existing laws, regulations and policies of the Republic of Venezuela, endeavor to enlist the participation of other organizations or agencies of the Republic of Venezuela, in the development and implementation of activities within the scope of this Memorandum.
ARTICLE 4
Cooperation under this Memorandum will be subject to the availability of funds and personnel of each Party, and will be conducted
in accordance with the laws and regulations of each country. The nature and extent of funding of each project will be agreed upon by the Parties before its commencement.
ARTICLE 5
Information transmitted by one Party under this Memorandum will be accurate to the best knowledge and belief of the transmitting Party. The transmitting Party does not warrant the suitability of the information transmitted for any particular use of or specific application by the receiving Party.
ARTICLE 6
Nothing in this Memorandum will be construed to prejudice other existing or future Agreements concluded between the Governments of the United States of America and the Republic of Venezuela, nor will it affect the rights and obligations of the two Governments under international agreements to which they are a Party.
ARTICLE 7
This Memorandum will enter into force upon signature and will remain in force for five years. It may be extended or amended by written agreement of the Parties.
This Memorandum may be terminated at any time by either Party upon written notification ninety days in advance of such termination. The termination of the Memorandum will not affect the validity or duration of projects under this Memorandum which are initiated prior to such termination.
Done at Caracas, on this 12th day of October, 1997, in duplicate in English and Spanish, both the texts being equally authentic.
[Signature] [Signature]
John F. Maisto Luisa Himiob de Rojas
Ambassador of the President of the
United States of America National Parks Institute