Rome, Italy, July 23. – In an important day for international cooperation on forestry issues, the Environment Coordinator of the Amazon Cooperation Treaty Organization (ACTO), Carlos Salinas, spoke today at the Plenary of the FAO Forestry Committee (COFO 27). The session, held in the framework of the 27th session of COFO, focused on theme 6: “Enhancing forestry's contribution to the bioeconomy: opportunities and challenges” (COFO/2024/4).
In his speech Salinas highlighted the crucial role of the Belém Declaration, which was adopted at the IV Summit of the Presidents of the States Parties to the Amazon Cooperation Treaty held in Brazil last year. This declaration sets a new agenda for cooperation in the Amazon region, addressing essential issues such as forests, biodiversity, climate change, water resources and indigenous affairs, as well as innovation and the bioeconomy.
In an effort to strengthen the support to ACTO’s eight member countries – Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Peru, Suriname and Venezuela – the organization has recently signed a letter of intent with FAO. This agreement underscores ACTO’s commitment to advancing projects that benefit the Amazon, supporting both conservation and sustainable development in the region.
COFO 27 takes place in conjunction with the 9th World Forest Week (WFS 2024), from july 22 to 26 in Rome. Under the theme “Accelerating Forest Solutions through Innovation”, both events bring together experts, leaders and policymakers to discuss and foster innovative strategies in forest management and sustainability.
ACTO’s participation in this plenary highlights the importance of international collaboration to address global environmental challenges and promote sustainability in one of the most biodiverse regions on the planet.
