An agreement has been signed by 7 Latin American countries to impose greater protections for the Amazon rainforest. The new deal was signed by representatives of Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Peru, and Suriname, all of whom have pledged to stop deforestation and the destruction of wild animal habitats.
The Amazon rainforest has for decades been plundered for timber and for creating vast grasslands on which to raise cattle for the food industry. Sadly, this has resulted in the Amazon shrinking significantly in size and the very existence of many species being put under threat.
The damage to the rainforest has not just impacted the natural environment. It has also affected the indigenous people who for millennia have made their homes in the Amazon and who are now being forced deeper into the rainforest to find refuge. Many of the indigenous people are also dying by exposure to diseases that are commonplace in wider society but to which they have little to no natural immunity.
It is not though just those who live in the rainforest that are negatively affected by deforestation. The Amazon is the most significant filter of carbon-dioxide emissions in the world and releases massive amounts of oxygen into the environment which we all require to breathe.
Colombia's President Ivan Duque said the agreement was required to:
"Foster a space for regional dialogue to advance the protection and sustainable use of this region, which is essential for the survival of the planet."
The meeting and agreement was signed by Brazil but largely dismissed by Brazilian far-right leader Jair Bolsonaro. As much as 60% of the Amazon lies within Brazilian territory. Bolsonaro has been consistently criticised for his racism towards indigenous people and for his attitude towards the rainforest and global warming. Since taking office, he has granted permission for major corporations to begin clearing the forest for timber and for the agro-industry. Many within his political party and in high positions within his government deny that climate change is real and believe it to be a conspiracy.
Bolsonaro stated that the meeting would impact individual countries sovereignty and it seems unlikely that the agreement, despite being signed by Brazil, will be properly implemented. He stated:
"We must take a strong position of defence of sovereignty so that each country can develop the best policy for the Amazon region, and not leave it in the hands of other countries."
In recent days human-rights groups and indigenous leaders have called on the International Criminal Court (ICC) to take action and put Bolsonaro on trial for crimes against humanity. The ICC usually deals with war-crimes.
Whether the new deal will result in greater protection for the Amazon waits to be seen.
h/t: Truth Theory
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