The Parties recognise the importance of reducing trade costs to achieve inclusive and sustainable growth in their economies. They shall therefore cooperate to simplify import, export, transit and other customs procedures, including digitalisation of customs and clearance procedures, as well as to increase the transparency of customs and trade regulations and facilitate legitimate trade, building on their respective commitments under the TFA. In line with the TFA, the OACPS Members require adequate and predictable technical assistance to build their capacities to implement this Agreement fully. The Parties further commit to providing that assistance based on the implementation needs of the OACPS Members, as notified under the TFA.

1.   The Parties agree that environmental degradation, unsustainable use of natural resources and climate change pose a serious threat to the attainment of sustainable development and place at risk the lives, quality of life and livelihoods of current and future generations. In that regard, the Parties reaffirm the need for a high level of environmental protection and effective conservation and sustainable management of natural resources, including biological diversity. They also reaffirm the need to agree on ambitious action to manage and reduce the negative effects of climate change and to set their economies on sustainable, resilient low-carbon growth paths, while contributing to the creation of decent jobs for all.

2.   The Parties shall mainstream environmental sustainability, the fight against climate change and the pursuit of environmentally sustainable growth into all policies, plans and investments. They shall endeavour to build effective alliances in international settings on relevant issues with a view to driving global action forward and ensuring constructive engagement with local authorities, civil society and the private sector. The Parties shall effectively implement the multilateral environmental agreements to which they are parties.

3.   The Parties shall seek to build and strengthen resilience, particularly of vulnerable populations, in the face of environmental and climate change-related challenges, and of natural and man-made disasters.

4.   The Parties, in promoting environmental sustainability, tackling climate change and natural disasters, shall take into account: (i) the vulnerability of SIDS, LDCs, landlocked developing countries (LLDCs) and coastal populations including their efforts to adapt, especially to the threat posed by climate change and the depletion of natural resources; (ii) the exposure and vulnerability of countries to worsening droughts, floods, coastal erosion, water scarcity, land and forest degradation, biodiversity loss, deforestation and desertification problems; (iii) the need to minimise, avert and address loss and damage associated with the adverse effects of climate change, including slow onset events such as sea-level rise; (iv) the links between climate change strategies and disaster risk reduction, resilience and food security; (v) the crucial role of natural ecosystems for ensuring food security and nutrition, and fighting climate change; (vi) the nexus between environmental degradation and climate change with displacement and migration; and (vii) the negative impact of climate change and environmental degradation on peace and security.