Yes | UNEP Cartagena Convention Secretariat | Regional | Brazil is not a signatory to the Cartagena Convention nor does it fall within the legal scope of the Convention Area. However there is strong connectivity between the North Brazil shelf LME and the Caribbean LME with transboundary pollution originating in Brazil affecting other parts of the Wider Caribbean Region as evidenced by nutrients and sediment run-off. This activity should result in a formal mechanism for cooperation between UNEP Cartagena Convention Secretariat and the Government of Brazil proposed initially through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Cartagena Convention Secretariat and the Government of Brazil. Once signed, consideration would be given to the expansion of the legal scope of the Cartagena Convention to include the North Brazil Shelf LME. | Basic Progress | Low | The UNEP Cartagena Convention Secretariat and the Brazilian Government have jointly worked on the content for the MoU to facilitate improved collaboration. This was preceded by formal missions and participation by delegates from the Government of Brazil at meetings of the Cartagena Convention Secretariat. Despite repeated efforts, the process is currently stalled due to what appears to be a lack of continued political interest by the Government of Brazil following a recent change in Administration. However, the Secretariat partnered with the University of Para in the development of the Regional Nutrients Pollution Reduction Strategy which includes the NE Brazil Shelf and Amazon Basin. It is hoped that this type of collaboration can continue through joint projects and activities while aiming to have a more formal legal agreement for cooperation. Discussions are ongoing with the UNEP Regional Office in Panama and national office in Brazil to assist with that process. | 02/06/2021 | www.unenvironment.cep/org | CLME+ | Christopher Corbin |