Indigenous groups need to take bold steps to stop pushing the world’s largest rainforest to a point where they can support 80 percent of the Amazon Basin by 2025, he said.
At a nine-day conference in Marseille, Amazon delegates are laying the groundwork for thousands of officials, scientists and campaigners to discuss biodiversity in Kumming, China next year.
“We invite the international community to join us in reversing the devastation of our homes and safeguarding the future of our planet,” said José Gregorio Diaz Mirabal, COICA’s executive director representing nine indigenous groups in the Amazon Basin. Reuters.
Less than 50% of the Amazon Basin is currently under some form of official protection or indigenous stewardship, according to a study published last year. But pressure from livestock, mining, and oil is growing. Brazil’s right-wing president, Jayer Bolsononaro, is 60 percent of Biomei’s home. Deforestation has increased since taking office in 2019, reaching a 12-year high last year and sparking international outcry.
According to a recent study by 200 scientists from the Amazon Science Panel, the Amazon Basin covers 18% of the total forest cover and another 17%.
Deforestation rates could reach 20% -25%, according to Brazilian geologist Carlos Nore. The Marseille Conference is the latest in a series of four-year “World Conservation Congress” that brings together governments, civil society and researchers.
In order for COICA governments to discuss the biodiversity conservation goals over the next decade, Congress wants Congress to approve the “Amazon 80×2025” statement.
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