The international community can help to address many of the underlying causes of deforestation and social inequality, and contribute to the future health and prosperity of the Amazon. Strengthening dialogues with diverse stakeholders will be key.
The crucial first step to addressing the issues facing the states of the Amazon is to recognize that global climate and biodiversity goals will only be achievable if the interests of the Amazon’s people are an integral part of every policy or action directed to achieve those goals. Developing a dialogue with a broad set of actors across Brazil is key to the success of any strategy, and will reinforce the message that development of the Amazon and an improved standard of living for its population can be achieved while conserving the existing forest.
International stakeholders could strengthen dialogue with multiple actors from Brazilian society, including social movements and non-governmental organizations, subnational powers, the private and financial sectors, and academia.
Defining the interests of local people and wider society requires embracing the diversity of actors and cultures in the country. Brazilian society, through its many representative organizations and bodies, is prepared, vocal and resilient.
There are many institutional and informal channels for dialogue in Brazil. One example is the Forum of Governors. Since 2019 this has brought the nine Legal Amazon states into an Interstate Consortium to work on the green economy; competitiveness and innovation; regional integration; territorial and environmental governance; public management and governance; and public services. Other established associations include the Network of Mayors and the Brazilian Association of State Entities for the Environment (Abema), which supports local actions more directly. The Biden administration in the US has been notably successful in establishing communication channels on climate issues with groups of state governors.
Defining the interests of local people and wider society requires embracing the diversity of actors and cultures in the country. Brazilian society, through its many representative organizations and bodies, is prepared, vocal and resilient.
Brazil is a federation in which state and municipal entities, even those in the poorest municipalities, have equivalent status to the central government and enjoy substantial autonomy. Checks and balances across government branches (including public prosecutors) work well. Therefore, supporting the state and municipal branches of government can be an effective way to help fight impunity in the Amazon. It will help stakeholders understand the capabilities of subnational public actors in the areas of public security, the economy, health and education. It will also promote new dynamics at the municipal level, mobilizing local forces to support compliance with environmental and business laws and regulations.
