Trade and the environment : Environmental assessments of regional trade agreements and policies for Zimbabwe.

Abstract

Environmental provisions have become a common inclusion in trade agreements. Their incorporation is somewhat far-reaching, and more comprehensive in a manner complimentary to the main trade liberalisation provisions. At the helm of this inclusivity is the concept of sustainable development, which is key in the successful establishment, and implementation of trade liberalization structures. Through this concept, environmental provisions among other considerations, have found their way into trade agreements be it at bilateral, regional or multilateral level. This inclusion can be attributed to the growing awareness of states of aspects such as climate change as well as the increased strive towards sustainable development. At the helm of this trade and the environment relationship, is the role of the WTO, which is the global regulating body of all thing international trade. Critics allege the failure by this body to effectively address sustainability and environmental issues that multilateral level albeit it’s supposed to then give a guide to regional and bilateral trading relationships. This dissertation clarified the incorporation of environmental and sustainability provisions in the SADC, COMESA, TFTA, AfCFTA and the IEPA trade agreements. It explored the extent of environmental assessments carried out to determine the effectiveness of the environmental provisions incorporated in the final agreement. Furthermore, this dissertation explored different regional and country approaches in how they have included environmental and sustainability provisions in their trade agreements as well as national policy and law. Close consideration was given to the USA, Canada and the EU, as they are leading jurisdictions in undertaking environmental assessments of trade agreements both ex post and ex ante. This comparison helped to demonstrate which approach seems more effective at causing change as well as providing information and guidance in policy formulation. Qualitatively, the research concluded that there is not yet established a one size fits all method of assessment. However, there is nothing barring states from using all the existing models of assessments for more definitive results. Further, the research established that it is important to carry out both ex post and ex ante assessments to ensure the state parties get the maximum benefits possible from trade agreements an policy