Strengthening cooperation on transboundary threats

Many of the threats to the development of the Asia-Pacific region require regional as well as national responses.

Growing integration and interconnectedness places a premium on effective networks and cooperation and on access to expertise that is available across countries.

Building on national systems and existing cooperation arrangements, the Strengthening Cooperation on Transboundary Threats program will provide support for initiatives put forward by Australian Government agencies that contribute to the development of networks and expertise on high-priority transboundary concerns.

Support will:

focus on critical areas such as economic integration and trade, infectious disease and surveillance, disaster prevention and management, transnational crime, drug and human trafficking, counter-terrorism, and environmental and natural resource management
facilitate regional linkages by being multi-country in scope
draw on Australian expertise by facilitating greater involvement of professional and scientific bodies, as well as academic institutions
provide funding for long-term and short-term exchanges, research and training, as well as small-scale infrastructure and equipment support where appropriate.

The program will commence in mid-2007.