An Alumni Regional Security Conversation

Rainforests are an inseparable link to global security. Home to an estimated 50 million people - with more than a billion people depending on them for their livelihoods, they hold more than 10% of Earth’s terrestrial biodiversity and are crucial to limit global warming and climate change.

The Amazon Rainforest spreads across eight countries — Brazil, Peru, Colombia, Bolivia, Guyana, Ecuador, Suriname, and French Guiana — and covers nearly a third of all tropical rainforests globally, spanning an area twice the size of India.

At COP28 in Dubai, the Government of Brazil launched its proposal for a global instrument – the “Tropical Forest Forever Facility” – to protect standing tropical forests in up to 80 countries. Where is the initiative at?

Given the complex interplay of environmental, economic, and social factors in rainforest conservation, how can the international community effectively balance the enforcement of environmental protection laws with the needs of local populations who depend on these forests?

What are the security challenges to reduce Amazon deforestation and advance climate action?

In this conversation we will discuss the delicate balance between conservation efforts and human development, inviting insights and strategies that could harmonise these often-competing interests. 

Speakers

Dr Kelechi Eleanya, Team Leader and Board member at the EverGreening Network for Forest and Land Restoration Nigeria (ENFORLAR), and a Senior Fellow at the Global EverGreening Alliance (GEA)

Mr José David Palencia, First Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Colombia, responsible for the Amazon Cooperation Treaty Organization and the implementation of the 2023 Belém Presidential Declaration

Mr Mauro Luis Ruffino, General Coordinator of the Bioamazon Project and of Amazon Regional Observatory (OARO) at the Amazon Cooperation Treaty Organization (ACTO)

Moderator

Ms Anna Brach, Head of Human Security, GCSP

Welcome Address

Col (retd) Denilson Santos Leitão, Military Advisor, Brazilian Army, Leader GCSP Alumni & Community Hub Brazil

Opening Remarks

Ms Isabelle Gillet, Head, Alumni & Community Engagement, GCSP 

This event is exclusively for GCSP Alumni and available upon request for the GCSP Community. Contact: [email protected]