In February 2005, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and the United States signed an Environmental Cooperation Agreement (ECA).  In it, they acknowledged that economic development, social development and environmental protection are interdependent, mutually-reinforcing factors in achieving sustainable development for the well-being of present and future generations.

Since then, the ECA countries have evolved a program of cooperative action to advance their common development goals by building the capacities of government and civil society, including NGOs, the private sector and the general public to protect, improve and conserve the environment.  In terms of areas and modalities of operation, the ECA emphasizes capacity building; development of voluntary mechanisms, such as partnerships, market-based initiatives and economic incentives; adoption of best practices; and exchange of information.