DECLARATION
(en español)
We, the undersigned representatives of the public,
private and philanthropic sectors in the countries of Latin America, the
Caribbean and the United States do hereby undertake to jointly develop
the Renewable Energy in the Americas (REIA) initiative as we
collectively advance economic and social goals in the Western
Hemisphere. It is our belief that while geography, language and culture
distinguish our individual countries, we are all bound together by the
common pursuit of sustainable development.
The goals of sustainability require us to rethink the
ways and means of our economic behavior, and corresponding public policy
measures. The economic and cultural legacy which we give to our children
will be hollow if we fail to leave them an ecologically fit environment.
Our generosity and foresight will be measured not only by our
industriousness, but by the vigor and diligence with which we fulfill
our obligations of environmental stewardship.
Energy is inextricably linked to achieving
environmental security and economic and social advancement. Increased
emphasis on the environment is opening the door to new, more modular and
cleaner energy options. Increased utilization of renewable energy
technologies fosters sustainable development by building local capacity,
strengthening institutions and generating indigenous empowerment and
employment opportunities.
The Renewable Energy in the Americas (REIA)
Initiative is dedicated to the proposition that renewable energy and
energy efficiency technologies can play an integral role in a new energy
vision for the Hemisphere. REIA seeks to emphasize the benefits of these
technologies and mitigate barriers to their deployment. REIA also
involves the participation of key stakeholders in the decision making
process including governments, industry, non-government organizations,
utilities, and most importantly the end-users who will bear the cost and
derive the benefits of these technologies. Only through this partnership
approach can we ensure large-scale, long-term opportunities for
renewable energy and efficiency. REIA in particular seeks to advance the
contributions that renewable energy and energy efficiency can make in
both large-scale, grid-connected and smaller-scale rural electrification
applications.
By working collaboratively we can provide the
leadership and commitment needed to bring these emerging technologies to
the marketplace and capture their many economic, environmental,
employment, and social benefits. It is the position of the undersigned
that sustainable development in the Americas can be advanced by a
hemispheric partnership for the greater utilization of renewable energy
and energy efficiency technologies. We come together today, in one
voice, to affirm this commitment to ourselves and to future generations.
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