Representatives from 15 countries are meeting in Belém, Pará, for the Amazon Summit. The meeting, to be held between the 8th and 9th of August, is one of the most relevant for the heads of state in that region, and will address crucial issues such as illegal deforestation, combating organized crime and external financing for sustainable development in the Amazon.
The Amazon Summit is organized by the Amazon Cooperation Treaty Organization (ACTO), an intergovernmental group comprising Brazil, Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Peru, Suriname and Venezuela. All countries, except Ecuador and Suriname, have already confirmed their presence at the meeting.
The event will bring leaders from across the Amazon region, including the president of Brazil, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, as well as European authorities such as France, Germany and Norway, important donors to the Amazon Fund. Heads of State from Africa will also be present, such as the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Republic of Congo, from Asia, such as Indonesia, and from the Caribbean, represented by Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
The president of COP28, Sultan Ahmed al-Jaber, which will take place in December in the United Arab Emirates, is also participating in the meeting, signaling the international relevance of this meeting.
The Amazon Summit has as its central objective the elaboration of the Charter of Belém, a document that will establish a new common agenda for the sustainable development of the region. The letter will address topics such as protecting the biome and the watershed, social inclusion, science, technology and innovation, as well as fostering the local economy and valuing the knowledge of indigenous and traditional communities.
Despite the cooperation effort, some divergences are expected, mainly in relation to the exploitation of fossil fuels in the region and the fulfillment of deforestation targets. However, the presence of leaders from different parts of the world with tropical forests shows the united efforts to face global environmental challenges.
The United States was not invited to the Amazon Summit, despite announcing a sizable donation to the Amazon Fund. Meanwhile, leaders and representatives of Amazonian countries, along with partner nations, meet to outline strategies and strengthen collaboration towards sustainable development and preservation of the Amazon.
