The United States and Peru agree to redirect Peru’s debt payments to fund local programs that protect the country’s tropical forests. America.gov explains how this debt-for-nature pact will provide more than $25 million to support rain forest conservation and protection of at-risk species.Full article: United States, Peru Announce ...

The April 2009 Summit of the Americas will offer President-elect Barack Obama a “unique opportunity” to signal ongoing American commitment to the Western Hemisphere, says the U.S. national summit coordinator. Hector Morales talks with America.gov about key challenges facing the Western Hemisphere.Full article: Summit of the Americas Highlights ...

James K. Glassman, under secretary for public diplomacy and public affairs at the Department of State, comments on Colombia’s success in fighting terrorism.Full article: State’s Glassman Calls Colombia a Leader on Fighting Terrorism

President Bush believes that the global economic crisis turmoil be overcome well ahead of the 18-month time frame adopted by participants at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Lima, Peru.  U.S. officials say keeping trade open and resisting protectionism are keys to resolving the issue.Full article: Bush Optimistic ...

In Colombia, Occidental Petroleum operates in a country that has faced many conflicts.  A diminution of violence in recent years has allowed the company to step up its efforts to help local communities and to build relationships of trust through a new dialogue.Full article: American Oil Company Making ...

Groups in the United States are sending relief supplies to Cuba to help people who have endured a long and devastating 2008 hurricane season. Among the groups licensed to send humanitarian supplies to Cuba are Catholic Relief Services, Pan American Development Foundation, Global Links and Operation USA.Full article: ...

Caribbean countries especially hard-hit in recent years by natural disasters need a unified regional approach to disaster response and a reduced reliance on international aid, a disaster-management specialist tells America.gov in advance of the Miami Conference on the Caribbean and Central America.Full article: Regional Cooperation Needed on Caribbean ...

The United States is concerned over the Venezuelan government’s intimidation of its political opposition ahead of the November 23 state and municipal elections, which a State Department official says is counter to the country’s democratic commitments under the Inter-American Democratic Charter.Full article: Venezuelan Elections Test Chavez’s Commitment to ...

A trade initiative meeting in Panama aims to widen talks among Western Hemisphere nations that are open to expanded trade during a time of nearly global economic uncertainty, U.S. officials say. Discussion is expected to be devoted to the global financial crisis and broader economic challenges.Full article: Ministers ...

Mauro Costa-Mattioli wins the 2008 Eppendorf and Science Prize for Neurobiology for identifying a protein that controls the formation of long-lasting memories. America.gov traces Mattioli’s journey from Uruguay to the United States and explores how proteins control memory formation.Full article: Uruguayan Scientist Wins International Neurobiology Prize