| Declaration
 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.
To see the signatures of signatory
countries click
here.
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