La Paz, Bolivia. As part of her visit to the city of La Paz, the Executive Director of the Amazon Cooperation Treaty Organization (ACTO), Vanessa Grazziotin, accompanied by the Coordinator of Indigenous Affairs, Freddy Mamani, held important meetings with senior Bolivian government officials on June 11 and 12. These meetings highlighted the significance of the Amazon in the current international agenda and emphasized the need to strengthen cooperation ties to address environmental challenges.
Firstly, the Executive Director met with Bolivia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Celinda Sosa. During the meeting, both stressed the importance of the Amazon in the global context and the growing relevance of ACTO in this scenario. Minister Sosa highlighted that the fight against climate change must go beyond mere philosophical statements and become concrete actions. To achieve this, she underscored the necessity of strengthening relations with ACTO based on shared visions, stating that “we are all guardians of the Amazon.”
Next, the Executive Director had a meeting with Bolivia’s Minister of Environment and Water, Alan Linsperguer, and his team. In this meeting, various topics of common interest were discussed, such as biodiversity, protected areas, forest development, and the bioeconomy, known in Bolivia as the “Economy of Mother Earth.” Both sides highlighted ACTO’s projects on environmental and water resource issues, recognizing that much work remains to be done and that it is crucial to strengthen relations to advance in these areas.
The day concluded with a panel on the Rapid Assessment of Biological Diversity and Ecosystem Services in the Amazon region, organized by ACTO and the Vice-Presidency of Bolivia. The event was attended by the Executive Director of ACTO, Minister Linsperguer, and the Vice President of Bolivia, Jilata David Choquehuanca, along with other experts. Panel participants highlighted the progress made in this project and agreed that it constitutes a starting point for future joint work for the benefit of the Amazon and its inhabitants.
Before the panel, the Executive Director had a brief meeting with Vice President Choquehuanca, during which both exchanged greetings and experiences. They also agreed on the need to strengthen bilateral relations for the well-being of the Amazon.
