The Amazon Cooperation Treaty Organization (ACTO) played a key role in a crucial event organized by the Igarapé Institute during COP 16 of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). The event, titled “ACTO’s Leadership in Strengthening Regional Cooperation to Address Environmental Crimes in the Amazon Basin,” was held on October 21 at the Amazon Always Pavilion, in collaboration with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB).
Carlos Salinas, ACTO’s Environment Coordinator, highlighted the urgency of an effective regional response to the alarming rise of environmental crimes. In his speech, Salinas emphasized the evolution of organized crime in the Amazon: “Not only does it engage in illegal logging, but it has diversified its activities, including illegal mining and wildlife trafficking. This requires a coordinated and effective response,” he stressed.
Salinas also underscored the progress made in the recent cooperation agenda established by the presidents of the Amazon countries in the Declaration of Belém, which prioritizes public and environmental security. “This is a significant step in the fight against these crimes that threaten our biodiversity,” he stated.
Melina Risso, Director of Research at the Igarapé Institute and moderator of the event, added that environmental crimes have a transnational nature and are interconnected with other illicit economies. “We must strengthen regional planning to address these crimes. International cooperation is crucial, and it is a positive step that the Brazilian Federal Police is establishing a cooperation center to tackle these challenges,” she noted.
General William Castaño Ramos, Director of the Carabineros and Environmental Protection Directorate (DICAR) of the National Police of Colombia, highlighted his country’s efforts in collaborating with international organizations. “From Colombia, we have materialized cooperation with various agencies, conducting joint operations that have led to the capture of those responsible for environmental crimes,” Castaño declared.
Humberto Freire de Barros, Director of the Amazon Environment Directorate of the Brazilian Federal Police, stressed the importance of regional cooperation. “We are implementing a Police Cooperation Center in Manaus, which will be key to coordinating and planning joint actions,” he said.
The event concluded with a call to action, emphasizing that only through effective collaboration between Amazon countries can the organized crime affecting this vital region be tackled. “It’s time to act together and decisively to protect the Amazon,” Carlos Salinas concluded.
The dialogue focused on illegal deforestation, the illicit exploitation of natural resources, and the growing transnational organization of environmental crimes that require coordinated regional responses. It also aligns with the goals of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, which aims to conserve 30% of global biodiversity by 2030.
