Loading... please wait

The Future of the Amazon: Market-Driven Solutions for Conservation and Sustainable Development

SpeakerS:

H.E. Iván Duque, Former President, Republic of Colombia (2018-2022)
Telma Ortiz, Associate Manager of External Relations and Strategy, Concordia
The Hon. Helder Barbalho, Governor, State of Pará, Brazil

“Here on stage, I have two prominent people from two countries of the Amazon: His Excellency Iván Duque, former President of Colombia, and The Honorable Governor Barbalho from the State of Pará in Brazil, who is absolutely committed to the conservation of the Amazon.” Telma Ortiz
“The Amazon captures around 10 or 12% of all the global CO₂ emissions every year, so it plays a fundamental role for the protection of the planet.” H.E. Iván Duque Márquez
“There is no sustainability when you look only to the needs of preservation. It is only sustainable if you take care of the forest and you take care of people at the same time.” The Hon. Helder Barbalho

Key takeaways:

  • Urgent need for amazon conservation: The Amazon captures approximately 10-12% of global CO₂ emissions annually and holds about 20% of the world’s biodiversity. However, it is threatened by deforestation and negative land use, requiring immediate action to maintain its carbon sink role in the next five years. 
  • Market-Driven nature-based solutions: Implementing market-driven, nature-based solutions such as debt swaps for conservation, biodiversity credits, and biodiversity bonds can incentivize local authorities and attract investments forsustainable development. 
  • Regional cooperation: Strengthening regional cooperation among Amazon countries is crucial. Updating organizations like the Organization of the Amazonian Treaty (OTCA) will enable more effective cross-border actions for Amazon protection. 
  • Public-Private partnerships: Public-private partnerships are key to mobilizing resources for sustainable Amazon projects, driving innovative financing solutions and supporting local economies. 
  • Supporting indigenous and local communities: Empowering indigenous communities through financial inclusion and equitable distribution of resources from carbon credit sales can incentivize forest preservation and ensure sustainable  conservation efforts. 
  • Global leadership and opportunities: Hosting events like COP30 in Brazil presents an opportunity to showcase smart financial solutions and advocate global support for a low-emissions future, highlighting the Amazon´s importance. 

Action items:

  • Support market-based conservation: Support the development and implementation of financial mechanisms like debt-for-nature swaps, biodiversity credits, and bonds to fund Amazon conservation efforts. 
  • Promote regional collaboration: Encourage Amazonian countries to update and strengthen cooperative frameworks such as OTCA for better coordination of conservation initiatives. 
  • Foster public-private partnerships: Engage with both government and private sector stakeholders to invest in sustainable development projects that benefit the Amazon and its communities. 
  • Empower indigenous and local communities: Ensure that a significant portion of funds from environmental services and carbon credits directly benefit indigenous populations, supporting their role in forest stewardship. 
  • Prepare for COP30: Develop and support the presentation of comprehensive reports and proposals on smart financial mechanisms at COP30 to attract global attention and resources.
  • Monitor conservation impact: Implement robust monitoring and auditing mechanisms to ensure that conservation efforts are effective, scalable, and replicable across the Amazon region.

Copyright © 2024 Concordia.

All rights reserved. Concordia is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, nonpartisan organization.