Brazil: Amazon Summit Fails To Reach 'Common Point To End Deforestation'

The Brazil Amazon Summit concluded on Wednesday with the adoption of a roadmap aimed at safeguarding the tropical rainforests.

This effort has been hailed as a significant stride in addressing climate change concerns, even though it falls short of the specific commitments some environmental advocates were hoping for in terms of ending deforestation, AP reports.

Leaders and officials from eight Amazonian nations came together in Belem, Brazil, on Tuesday to endorse a declaration outlining strategies to balance economic development in their respective countries with the imperative of preventing irreversible degradation of the Amazon Forest.

Critics from various environmental organizations characterized the declaration as a collection of noble intentions lacking quantifiable objectives and clear timelines.

Nonetheless, it received praise from certain quarters, including Amazon's coalition of Indigenous groups, who found satisfaction in acknowledging two of their primary demands.

The WWF, an international environmental organization, noted the significance of regional leaders heeding scientific warnings and societal calls regarding the perilous state of the Amazon Forest.

However, the WWF expressed regret that the eight Amazonian nations did not reach a common point to end deforestation in the region.

Amazon Countries Failure to Reach 'Common Point to End Deforestation' Impacts Battle with Climate Change

The inability of these Amazonian countries to forge a consensus on forest protection underscores broader global challenges in formulating agreements to combat climate change, according to Reuters.

Critics argue that policymakers are not acting swiftly enough to avert catastrophic global warming.

Marcio Astrini, representing the Climate Observatory environmental lobby, highlighted the situation's urgency, stating that with the planet undergoing alarming temperature rises, it's inconceivable that the eight Amazonian nations couldn't unanimously declare the imperative of zero deforestation.

While Presidents from Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, and Peru attended the summit, high-ranking officials represented Ecuador, Guyana, Suriname, and Venezuela.

Bolivia and Venezuela were the sole Amazon countries that did not sign the 2021 agreement among over 100 nations to strive for a halt in deforestation by 2030.

Thousands of Indigenous Activists Gather for Parallel Summit in Belem

Leading up to the summit, Indigenous activists held a parallel gathering in Belem to amplify their calls for increased government backing in safeguarding the Amazon Forest, per The Guardian.

Tragedies such as the murders of British journalist Dom Phillips and Brazilian Indigenous expert Bruno Pereira have underscored the risks involved in such endeavors.

These activists also advocate for a commitment to protect 80% of the Amazon Forest by 2025.

The departure from the chaotic Amazon policies of former President Bolsonaro by current President Lula has garnered relief and apprehension among campaigners.

While his administration has already managed a 42.5% reduction in deforestation, concerns persist that the predominantly conservative Brazil congress might hinder Lula's ambitious environmental agenda.

Alessandra Korap, a Munduruku people leader, highlighted the challenges posed by political opposition and urged Brazil President Lula to take a firm stance against oil exploration in the Amazon and to counter contentious draft legislation that could undermine Indigenous land claims established before Brazil's 1988 constitution, which, she warned, could have dire consequences for Indigenous communities.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Bert Hoover

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