BRASILIA: The eight countries that share the Amazon basin have fallen short of an agreed objective to end deforestation as they gather for a pivotal summit in the Brazilian city of Belém.
This two-day gathering marks the first significant meeting of its kind in 14 years and aims to address the alarming issue of deforestation that is threatening the very heart of our planet’s climate stability.
In a historic move, delegates from the Amazon basin nations have come together to issue a joint declaration forming an alliance against the rampant deforestation plaguing the region. The declaration, aptly named the Belém declaration, underscores the shared concern for preserving the Amazon rainforest and combating climate change. While the alliance strives for collective action, it leaves each country with the autonomy to pursue its individual conservation objectives.
The Amazon rainforest, often referred to as the “lungs of the Earth,” plays a critical role in mitigating climate change by absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. The preservation of this vast ecosystem is pivotal to global climate efforts. Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, a staunch advocate for conservation, proposed a mutual goal of ending deforestation by 2030. This proposition aligns with his government’s policies, reflecting the urgency of the situation.
The Amazon rainforest spans across multiple countries, with approximately 60% of it situated in Brazil. The other nations that share the Amazon basin – Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Peru, Suriname, and Venezuela – also play a significant role in its preservation. The joint declaration underscores the collective responsibility of these nations, stressing the importance of working together to halt deforestation and safeguard the delicate balance of our planet’s ecosystems.
During the summit’s opening speech, President Lula highlighted the intensifying climate crisis and emphasized the necessity for a unified approach. He stated that the challenges of this era require coordinated efforts to address the pressing environmental concerns. The urgency of the situation cannot be overstated; the need for immediate, synchronized action to combat deforestation has never been more pronounced.
Although deforestation rates have significantly decreased in Brazil since President Lula’s tenure began, thousands of square kilometres are still lost to deforestation annually. The joint declaration emphasizes preventing the Amazon from reaching a point of no return, a crucial step toward preserving this invaluable ecosystem. Furthermore, the declaration encompasses a wide range of commitments, including water management, health initiatives, sustainable development, and coordinated positions in global climate negotiations.
