Amazon region’s ministers take steps toward agreement to protect nature

Environment ministers from the eight countries within the Amazon biome met in Leticia, Colombia, to work towards a significant agreement to prevent irreversible damage to the Amazon.

The ministers of Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Peru, Suriname, and Venezuela issued an urgent call to find answers and implement forceful strategies to protect this vital natural reserve.

The ministers emphasized the importance of transforming discourse into action through joint efforts.

They discussed the need for governance in the Amazon, emphasizing economic opportunities that restore the forest and support sustainable production chains for timber and non-timber products.

Additionally, they highlighted the importance of combating criminal organizations involved in deforestation.

The ministers expressed a united vision for building a safe and peaceful Amazon, emphasizing punitive measures against deforestation, environmental degradation, and the violation of indigenous rights.

The meeting in Leticia serves as a preparatory meeting for the ‘Belém do Pará’ Summit on August 8 and 9, which aims to reinforce the principles outlined in the 1978 Amazon Cooperation Treaty.

Parallel events were held alongside the ministerial meeting, bringing together international organizations, the private sector, civil society, local communities, and indigenous peoples.

Discussions focused on key issues such as deforestation, conservation, ecological restoration, bioeconomy, indigenous rights, financial mechanisms, and advocacy efforts.

The insights, experiences, and knowledge shared during these discussions will contribute to the consolidation of initiatives and the development of a declaration to be presented to the presidents and ambassadors of the Amazon Cooperation Treaty Organization (ACTO).

The summit in Leticia marks a crucial step in the collective efforts to safeguard the Amazon and address the climate crisis.