They will also discuss the priorities listed in the Draft Declaration for the Environmental pillar, with a view to agreeing on specific commitments that will further Hemispheric efforts on the issue.

National Coordinator for the Fifth Summit, Ambassador Luis Alberto Rodriguez will chair the negotiations of the Summit Implementation Review Group (SIRG), which takes place from January 14-16 at the OAS Headquarters.

The SIRG is the political and negotiating body responsible for follow-up on Summit mandates, coordinating the Summit agenda and preparing for future Summits.\

In order for the Group to make an informed decision on the issues that should be addressed in the environmental pillar of the Draft Declaration, it will consider presentations from the World Bank, the United Nations Environment Programme and the Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre.

The Group also has to continue its deliberations on several outstanding issues regarding the pillars of Human Prosperity and Energy Security.

The Environment section of the Draft Declaration addresses issues related to disaster planning and management; greenhouse gas emissions; planning and zoning measures; and the management of water resources.

The Fifth Summit will take place in Port of Spain from April 17-19, 2009 with the theme: “Securing Our Citizens’ Future by Promoting Human Prosperity, Energy Security and Environmental Sustainability.

The Draft Declaration can be downloaded from the Fifth Summit website:
www.fifthsummitoftheamericas.org.