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I S S U E: A P R I L
2 0 0 9
 As
always, this issue of Américas is chock full of
stories, analysis, controversies, research, and
information related to the stability and future of
the people of our hemisphere.
First, we highlight two important events occurring
early this year: the beginning of a new
administration in Washington, DC and the Fifth
Summit of the Americas in the capital city of
Trinidad and Tobago. The Summit, which will be held
in Port of Spain in April, will be President Obama’s
first opportunity to meet with his 34 counterparts
from the region and discuss matters of economic
prosperity, energy security, and environmental
sustainability. Américas paid a visit to Port of
Spain ahead of time and found a city that has been
completely refurbished, full of energy and color,
and ready for the Summit!
One of the issues that the presidents and prime
ministers will discuss in Port of Spain is the goal
of reversing the spread of HIV/AIDS in the region.
In this issue, Américas takes a looks at efforts
being made in several countries to stop this
pandemic, and in the midst of alarming statistics,
we also find some good news.
We also wanted to join in the celebration of the
bicentennial of Abraham Lincoln’s birth, examining
his legacy in the history of the United States, and
to look at what the inauguration of a new era in US
government today could mean for the rest of the
hemisphere.
As part of our ongoing coverage of environmental
sustainability in the region, Américas visited
Colombia, Canada, and the Chilean Patagonia. Chile
is trying to decide between two options: build a
hydroelectric plant that will turn the Patagonia
into a factory for much needed electricity; or
preserve the temperate forests and ecosystems that
are only found there. In Colombia we climbed to the
páramos that surround Bogota and witnessed how this
treasure trove of natural water supplies the city
and its surrounding areas. And in Canada we
discovered the marvelous Okanagan Valley, considered
one of the most ecologically diverse areas of
British Columbia.
We also took two more extraordinary trips for this
issue: one to Ecuador and another to Mexico. In
Ecuador we got on the train that joined the coast
with the mountains 100 years ago (the
Guayaquil-Quito line) and relived that fascinating
story as we travelled through stunning geography.
Finally, in Mexico we joined a group of researchers
who are using modern mapping techniques to enhance
the knowledge of the Zapotec indigenous community of
Tiltepec in northern Oaxaca. In this project,
Zapotec leaders are creating maps of their
communities that include roads, forests, rivers,
streams, and historic sites.
As the leaders of the region gather to contemplate
issues facing the hemisphere and the world, we
encourage our readers to take part in the global
debate through the pages of Americas. |
