3. The report shall periodically address the state of the environment in the territories of the Parties.
Article 13: Secretariat Reports
1. The Secretariat may prepare a report for the Council on any matter within the scope of the annual program. Should the Secretariat wish to prepare a report on any other environmental matter related to the cooperative functions of this Agreement, it shall notify the Council and may proceed unless, within 30 days of such notification, the Council objects by a two-thirds vote to the preparation of the report. Such other environmental matters shall not include issues related to whether a Party has failed to enforce its environmental laws and regulations. Where the Secretariat does not have specific expertise in the matter under review, it shall obtain the assistance of one or more independent experts of recognized experience in the matter to assist in the preparation of the report.
2. In preparing such a report, the Secretariat may draw upon any relevant technical, scientific or other information, including information:
- (a) that is publicly available;
- (b) submitted by interested non-governmental organizations and persons;
- (c) submitted by the Joint Public Advisory Committee;
- (d) furnished by a Party;
- (e) gathered through public consultations, such as conferences, seminars and symposia; or
- (f) developed by the Secretariat, or by independent experts engaged pursuant to paragraph 1.
3. The Secretariat shall submit its report to the Council, which shall make it publicly available, normally within 60 days following its submission, unless the Council otherwise decides.
