The VI Ibero-American Forum of Ministers of the Environment has begun in Buenos Aires to address for two days the main challenges that national authorities face in developing and implementing policies that effectively address the environmental dimension of sustainable development, protect natural resources and contribute to improving the quality of life of populations

The Spanish delegation is headed by the Minister of the Environment, Cristina Narbona, and among the work proposals of the Spanish Ministry of the Environment is the creation of the Ibero-American Network of Managers of Natural Heritage and Biodiversity, similar to the networks already constituted within the framework of this Forum such as Water, Waste, Climate Change and the corresponding Meteorological Institutes. The objective of this network will be to promote cooperation and the exchange of information and technical training in order to enhance the achievement of the internationally agreed target of halting the loss of biodiversity by 2010

In relation to environmental quality aspects, the Ibero-American Network of Environmental Quality Managers is also formalized, which has the mandate, among others, to develop an Action Plan for the region on waste and contaminated soils. During the preparatory meetings of this network, work has been carried out on the exchange of experiences and information on waste, contaminated soils, air pollution, noise, substances and chemical products, and environmental impact assessment. In particular, regular consultations have been established on chemicals, such as mercury and heavy metals, in order to comply with international conventions. Technology transfer centres are also being strengthened with the aim of achieving substantive improvements in the region with regard to chemicals management.