The Bush administration also announced it would continue the Clinton Administration's policy of conducting environmental assessments of trade agreements. But words need to be matched by serious actions to put conservation and sustainable development at the core of trade negotiating goals. WWF noted with particular concern that the Quebec Declaration repeats the assertion that increased trade will automatically lead to prosperity and ultimately to an improved environment. Unfortunately, the FTAA negotiations so far have kept trade talks isolated from environmental considerations, and from public input. Protests and riots in the streets of Quebec were the predictable result.
Trade policies remain far too subservient to the interests of a wealthy commercial elite.
If the only way people can make their legitimate voices heard is in the streets, then governments will need to get used to diplomatic dinners scented with the odor of tear gas. In a statement released during the Summit, WWF laid out five tests the FTAA must meet if it is to truly promote sustainable development. Deliver concrete benefits for conservation and sustainable development, 2. Strengthen good environmental governance, 3. Build capacity in developing countries.