Leaders from Brazil, Indonesia, and the Republic of Congo are convening in Brazzaville for a three-day summit to discuss the protection of their tropical forests.
These countries are home to the Amazon, Congo, and Borneo basins. The summit focuses on defending these forests from destruction and securing funding for this cause.
Arlette Soudan-Nonault, Congo’s Environment Minister, says the summit is a turning point.
According to her, it’s an opportunity to begin historic teamwork among the three major forest basins.
She emphasizes that these nations play a critical role. They protect the biodiversity of the entire planet.
This effort benefits the 1.5 billion people living in these areas and everyone worldwide.
Experts in forestry also support this view. They believe the summit offers a vital chance to activate and fund plans to save and renew crucial forest ecosystems.
Fan Price, from the World Wildlife Fund, urges governments to use this platform for collective action.
He also calls on businesses and society to contribute to the transformation needed.
The World Wildlife Fund provides some compelling statistics. The areas that include these three basins hold two-thirds of the world’s biodiversity.
They also comprise 80% of Earth’s tropical forests. Yet, these forests face serious threats.
These include chopping down trees, damaging forests, and losing native species. This puts local economies and food security at risk.
Promises to Stop Deforestation
Several governments and companies have made promises to stop deforestation. Despite these pledges, the loss of forest areas continues.
A recent report shows that in 2022 alone, 4.1 million hectares of tropical forests were lost.
Fan Price highlights livestock farming and small-scale agriculture as other contributing factors. He warns that this loss can get out of hand without proactive measures.
Climate change is another concern affecting these forests. Mikaela Weisse, who leads Global Forest Watch, states climate stability is impossible without forest protection.
The summit expects to welcome around 4,500 global delegates. This includes 15 heads of state, making it a high-profile event.
The meeting builds on a previous summit held 12 years ago. Back then, the focus was also on joint efforts to safeguard natural forest resources.