For the first time in 14 years, leaders of Amazon countries discussed the massive deforestation in the region, and after the meeting, participating countries welcomed the decision.
‘Now or Never’
According to Brazilian President Lula, it is now or never: “It has never been necessary to restart and expand this cooperation,” he said. “The challenges of our era, and the opportunities that come with them, require collective action.”
Eight countries – Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Peru, Ecuador, Guyana, Suriname and Venezuela – “have decided to create the Amazon Alliance to fight deforestation, with the aim of preventing the return of the Amazon – known in a joint statement.
No concrete proposals
But countries still have a long way to go. They did not come up with concrete policy proposals to achieve that goal, but only engaged themselves in working on a ‘road map’ to achieve their common goal.
Sanctions include tackling illegal gold mining and whether or not to allow new oil and gas drilling in the area.
In their joint declaration, the countries also fought for the rights and protection of indigenous peoples.
The climate summit agreed to cooperate on water management, sanitation, sustainable development and common negotiating positions.
