During the IV Amazon Summit in Belém do Pará, Brazil, Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodríguez called for a “regional emergency” in the Amazon due to the existing environmental crisis in the region, widely regarded as the planet’s green lung.
While addressing representatives from the Amazon Treaty Cooperation Organization (OTCA), Rodríguez emphasized the need for collective actions.
She suggested forming an OTCA environmental task force, which would involve the environmental and defense ministers from the participating countries.
Additionally, she recommended implementing a “zero deforestation” plan alongside a reforestation and regeneration initiative for the Amazon’s vegetation and soil.
Rodríguez underscored the urgency to eradicate illegal mining and prohibit the use of heavy metals in regional mining activities.
Further, she highlighted the importance of establishing an “Amazon research center” and launching a satellite to monitor the shared territories of the eight South American countries.
She also stressed ensuring harmonious and balanced development for Amazon communities.
The OTCA, established in 1995, includes Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Peru, Suriname, and Venezuela.