Eight countries in the Amazon rainforest region held a summit in Brazil today, Tuesday, for the first time in 14 years, aiming to reach a broad agreement on issues ranging from combating deforestation to funding sustainable development. The summit of the Amazon Cooperation Treaty Organization (ACTO) in Belém, Brazil, may result in a regional agreement to stop deforestation by 2030, end illegal gold mining, and cooperate on monitoring environmental violations across borders. Leaders are expected to announce a final agreement known as the Belém Declaration.
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva stated in his opening speech, "We will discuss and strengthen a new vision of sustainable and inclusive development in the region. We will enhance the position of countries with tropical forests on the global agenda regarding issues from tackling climate change to reforming the international financial system."
According to a leaked draft reported by CNN Brazil, the final agreement will likely protest what the region considers unfair trade barriers imposed in the name of environmental protection. Recently, the European Union adopted a law banning companies from importing beef, soy, cocoa, and other products linked to deforestation.
Tomorrow, Wednesday, the Amazon countries will meet with the leaders of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Indonesia, aiming to issue a joint statement from the three main rainforest basins in the world.
