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Amazon Nations to jointly fight deforestation.
Eight South American countries agreed to launch an alliance to fight deforestation in the Amazon, vowing at a summit in Brazil to stop the world’s biggest rainforest from reaching “a point of no return”.
The closely watched summit of the Amazon Cooperation Treaty Organisation (ACTO) adopted a “new and ambitious shared agenda” to save the rainforest, a crucial buffer against climate change that experts warn is being pushed to the brink of collapse.
The host of the summit was Brazil.
Group Members of the ACTO
- Bolivia,
- Brazil,
- Colombia,
- Ecuador,
- Guyana,
- Peru,
- Suriname
- Venezuela
The Group members signed a joint declaration in Belém, at the mouth of the Amazon River, laying out roadmap to
- Promote sustainable development.
- End deforestation
- Fight the organised crime that fuels it.
The summit stopped short of environmentalists’ and Indigenous groups’ demands, including for all member countries to adopt Brazil’s pledge to end illegal deforestation by 2030 and Colombia’s pledge to halt new oil exploration.
The Amazon River and its surrounding rainforest ecosystem are facing a range of environmental issues that have significant implications for the region's biodiversity, indigenous communities, and the global climate. Some of the key environmental challenges facing the Amazon River and its basin include:
Deforestation: The Amazon rainforest, often referred to as the "lungs of the Earth," is being deforested at an alarming rate due to activities like logging, agriculture (such as cattle ranching and soybean cultivation), and infrastructure development. Deforestation disrupts the delicate balance of the ecosystem, releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, and reduces the forest's ability to absorb greenhouse gases.
Biodiversity Loss: The Amazon is one of the most biodiverse regions on the planet, hosting countless species of plants, animals, and microorganisms. Deforestation and habitat destruction threaten many species with extinction and disrupt intricate ecological relationships.
Climate Change: The Amazon rainforest plays a crucial role in regulating global climate patterns. Its trees absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen through the process of photosynthesis. As deforestation continues, the forest's capacity to sequester carbon is diminished, contributing to climate change.
Water Pollution: Agricultural runoff, mining activities, and industrial pollution can contaminate the waters of the Amazon River and its tributaries. This pollution harms aquatic life and affects the communities that rely on the river for drinking water and other resources.
Dams and Infrastructure: Large-scale infrastructure projects, including hydroelectric dams and roads, can disrupt natural water flows, fragment habitats, and impact the migration patterns of fish and other species. Additionally, the construction of dams can flood areas of the rainforest, leading to the displacement of indigenous communities.
Illegal Logging and Mining: Unregulated logging and mining operations can have devastating impacts on the environment. These activities often result in the destruction of forests, soil erosion, and the release of pollutants into water bodies.
Indigenous Rights: Many indigenous communities live within the Amazon rainforest and rely on its resources for their cultural and physical well-being. Land encroachment, deforestation, and resource extraction can threaten their rights, livelihoods, and traditional ways of life.
Wildlife Trafficking: The Amazon's rich biodiversity makes it a target for illegal wildlife trafficking. Species such as parrots, turtles, and exotic animals are captured and sold on the black market.
Efforts are being made by governments, non-governmental organizations, indigenous groups, and international entities to address these issues and promote sustainable development in the Amazon region. Conservation initiatives, sustainable land management, protected areas, and support for indigenous rights are among the strategies being employed to mitigate the environmental challenges facing the Amazon River and its ecosystem.