Brazil and France initiated a landmark investment program on Tuesday aimed at safeguarding the Amazon rainforest in Brazil and Guyana, pledging a total of 1 billion euros ($1.1 billion) from both private and public sources over the span of four years.
The announcement was a highlight of French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to South America, where he arrived in Belem, near the Amazon’s mouth, on Tuesday, warmly received by Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.
Issuing a joint statement from the heart of the Amazon in Belem, the two leaders, representing Amazonian countries, underscored their commitment to collaborate on an international framework for the preservation of tropical forests.
Their ambitious agenda includes a target to halt deforestation in the Amazon by 2030, thus contributing significantly to the global efforts to mitigate climate change. This commitment holds particular significance as Brazil is set to host the COP30 climate negotiations in Belem in 2025.
In their statement, the presidents affirmed their dedication to the conservation, restoration, and sustainable management of the world’s tropical forests. They also outlined plans to explore innovative financial mechanisms, market incentives, and payments for environmental services.
During the visit, Macron and Lula embarked on a river boat tour to observe a sustainable development initiative focused on chocolate production on a nearby island. They also engaged with Indigenous leaders, where Macron bestowed the National Order of the Legion of Honor upon Raoni Metuktire, an Indigenous leader and environmental advocate from the Kayapo community. Raoni, known globally for his activism since the 1980s, raised concerns about a proposed railway project backed by soy farmers, emphasizing the lack of consultation with Indigenous communities.
Raoni urged Lula to reconsider approving the construction of the Ferrograo railway, which spans 1,000 kilometers (620 miles), citing its potential adverse impact on Indigenous peoples and their territories.
Despite previous tensions, particularly highlighted during the 2019 Amazon fires, relations between France and Brazil have shown signs of improvement. A French presidential adviser remarked that after a period of strained relations during Bolsonaro’s presidency, efforts are underway to revitalize the bilateral relationship and strategic partnership between the two nations.
