Energy resources are abundant in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) and the development of this sector has the potential to foster sustainable development in the region, facilitate greater access to affordable and clean energy in marginalized communities, and promote regional integration. The challenges facing energy development stem from insufficient investment; inappropriate fiscal and regulatory frameworks; concerns about environmental degradation; social tensions between communities, firms and governments; and the increasing use of national resources for political purposes.
Because of Canada’s expertise and its presence in LAC in this sector, Canada could play an important role in fostering energy development in LAC in the following areas:
Regulatory systems and the development of an enabling environment
Management of natural resources under different jurisdictions and with a multiplicity of stakeholders
Corporate social responsibility.
The objectives of this project would be to facilitate dialogue between Canadian and LAC stakeholders and to identify niches where Canada could play a leadership role in fostering energy development in Latin America.
This project is based on the findings of a strategic session that FOCAL held in Edmonton in partnership with the University of Alberta.
Activities
FOCAL will engage in stakeholder consultations with key energy stakeholders to foster consensus building around a potential agenda for a high-level international meeting
Publish two Special Issues on Energy Development in FOCALPoint: Canada’s Spotlight on the Americas.
