Brazil: Lula Calls for Amazon Forest Protection Amid Major Threats

South American nations leaders encompassing the Amazon rainforest issued a collective call to developed countries on Tuesday during a meeting in Brazil, urging them to take more substantial action to counteract the extensive degradation of the world's largest rainforest.

They emphasized that addressing this crisis should not rest solely on a few nations' shoulders, as many contributors have instigated the catastrophe, AP reports.

Meeting in Belem, Brazil, the Amazon Cooperation Treaty Organization leaders aimed to establish a shared strategy for combatting climate change, intending to wield a unified voice in international discussions on this pressing issue.

As presidents from nations including Brazil, Colombia, and Bolivia convened, they grappled with the challenge of fostering crucial economic development in their regions while simultaneously preventing the Amazon's ongoing decline from reaching an irreversible threshold.

The leaders underscored the imperative of safeguarding the rainforest, as some scientists caution that once 20% to 25% of the forest is lost, the result could be a significant reduction in rainfall, leading to the transformation of over half of the rainforest into tropical savannah and a profound loss of biodiversity.

"The forest unites us. It is time to look at the heart of our continent and consolidate, once and for all, our Amazon identity," said Brazil President Lula da Silva.

He also emphasized the importance of an equitable ecological transition that shifts historical dynamics and positions the nations as active participants in global sustainability efforts.

Brazil President Promises 'New Amazon Dream' During the Summit

At the commencement of a significant regional summit focused on the Amazon rainforest, Brazil President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has relentlessly committed to extricate the Amazon from centuries of turmoil marked by violence, economic exploitation, and environmental devastation.

He envisions a transformation into what he termed a "new Amazon dream," according to The Guardian.

The Brazilian leader, aligned with leftist ideologies, has pledged to rectify his country's environmental and international standing, aiming to counteract the repercussions of a tumultuous four-year period under his predecessor, Jair Bolsonaro.

During this time, the rainforest and Indigenous communities bore the brunt of mounting attacks and disregard for their well-being.

President Lula emphasized the progress made since then, asserting that the nation has transitioned away from a regrettable chapter in its history.

President Lula, who resumed power in January after thwarting Bolsonaro's re-election ambitions, is poised to redirect Brazil's trajectory, prioritizing environmental conservation, social justice, and a more positive global perception.

His unwavering stance underscores a renewed determination to address the multifaceted challenges confronting the Amazon and its Indigenous populations.

Lula has committed to championing an ambitious vision for the rainforest region, the majority of which, encompassing 60%, resides within Brazil's borders.

This vision entails a comprehensive approach that pairs vital environmental preservation with imperative social integration, economic advancement, and technological advancement.

Indigenous Groups Called for 'Bold Steps' to Protect the Amazon

Indigenous leaders from various South American nations have united in their call for decisive actions to safeguard the Amazon and their ancestral territories in anticipation of a summit dedicated to preserving the world's largest rainforest, VOA News noted.

In preparation for the summit, these Indigenous leaders convened for preliminary discussions in Belem, the host city, where they urged Brazil President Lula and his counterparts to establish new Indigenous reservations, an approach recognized by experts as one of the most effective means of conserving nature.

They also emphasized the importance of redefining the global perspective on the rainforest.

Nemo Guiquita, who leads the Ecuadoran Indigenous Confederation CONFENIAE representing 1,500 Amazon communities, voiced a sentiment shared among Indigenous groups.

"The forest isn't an oil well, it's not a gold mine. It's our temple," Guiquita stated, highlighting the need for Indigenous voices to be included in the summit's final statement, emphasizing that the future of the Amazon should not be determined solely by politicians.

The call from these Indigenous leaders extends beyond their communities-it resonates as a plea for global leaders to champion conservation efforts vigorously.

The struggle they pursue transcends boundaries, aiming to secure the survival of future generations.

Brazilian Indigenous Affairs Minister Sonia Guajajara referred to the summit as a pivotal moment for Indigenous peoples, stressing that their vision extends beyond the immediate years and looks ahead to the next four decades.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Bert Hoover

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