Cast To Explore Synergies With U.S. Environmental Hub For Central America & The Caribbean After Santo Domingo Meeting

Photo caption (left to right): David Luther, Presidente of Instituto Dominicano de Desarrollo Integral (IDDI); Timothy Lattimer, Director of the U.S. Environmental Hub for Central America and the Caribbean; Adolfo López, Executive Director for the Caribbean Alliance for Sustainable Tourism (CAST)

CAST Executive Director, Adolfo López, Opens Dialogue with Environmental Director, Timothy Lattimer

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC (Oct. 20, 2009) – Following a meeting in Santo Domingo, Caribbean Alliance for Sustainable Tourism (CAST) Executive Director, Adolfo López, met with Timothy Lattimer, Director of the U.S. Environmental Hub for Central America and the Caribbean, to discuss possible synergies between CAST and the Environmental Hub for Central America and the Caribbean on efforts to mitigate the effects of climate change in the region.

In particular, Lattimer unveiled the U.S. environmental policy for Central America and the Caribbean and plans for the upcoming climate change summit in Copenhagen. As the environmental arm of the Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association (CHTA), CAST is in a unique position to help mobilize the region's most influential private sector entities in the battle for increased sanctions and greater awareness for environmental issues.

“While climate change is a global issue with far reaching consequences, the Caribbean and Central America are among the regions most adversely affected,” says López. “The impact of climate change on our region's tourism industry cannot be overstated, and since our economies are dependent on sustainable tourism, it is imperative that we pursue unprecedented cooperative efforts between governmental bodies and private sector organizations on this crucial matter,” notes López.

During the meeting, Lattimer revealed U.S. plans to mount a significant environmental fund to finance projects designed to mitigate climate change. While concrete figures have not been established, the budget will be applied to numerous projects in various countries.

Regarding the Caribbean in particular, Lattimer spoke about the energy efficiency of the region's industries and businesses. López agrees that greater measures must be applied in order to minimize the Caribbean's dependence on fossil fuels.

Lattimer was extremely interested in the Caribbean Hotel Energy Efficiency Action Programme (CHENACT), a US$2 million project designed to drive Caribbean hotels to implement energy efficient practices and generate their own renewable energy. The program is currently in the execution phase in Barbados.

Lattimer was informed on CHTA's cooperative efforts and synergies with international public sector organizations such as CARICOM, UNESCO and the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO).

Lattimer indicated that the Obama administration's policy in regards to climate change is a complete reversal from that of the Bush administration and that the matter is considered a major priority in President Obama's mandate.
López pledges to support U.S. efforts with the full weight of Caribbean hotel and tourism sector.