The Parties recognise that the environment is a fundamental pillar of sustainable development and recognise the contribution that trade could make to sustainable development. The Parties stress that enhanced cooperation to protect and conserve the environment brings benefits that will:

     (a) promote sustainable development;
     (b) strengthen the environmental governance of the Parties;
     (c) build upon international environmental agreements to which they are party; and
     (d) complement the objectives of this Agreement.