At a CEBDS event at Climate Week New York this Friday, representatives from the private sector and civil society organizations point out economic solutions based on nature to develop biomes
Rio de Janeiro, September 25, 2019 – The enormous financial potential of the bioeconomy in the Amazon in contrast to the negative perception of Brazil's image abroad and its direct impact on the development of businesses and projects that are fundamental to the country were highlighted at the event. How is the Business Sector Supporting the Amazon? (How is the business sector supporting the Amazon?), held by CEBDS (Brazilian Business Council for Sustainable Development) on the morning of this Friday (25), within the programming of the New York Climate Week (Climate Week NY – The Group).
During the panel, which included the participation of spokespeople from companies and civil society organizations, CEBDS president Marina Grossi highlighted the leadership of the Brazilian private sector in defending the sustainable development agenda, with an emphasis on combating illegal deforestation, especially in the Amazon. “We know that 95% of deforestation is illegal. Therefore, we need to recognize and act to address this problem. We need legal certainty to attract investment,” she said, moderating the panel. CEBDS also proposes the creation of a national carbon market and the expansion of traceability tools in Brazilian agribusiness.
According to Tasso Azevedo, general coordinator of Map Biomas, it is possible to identify the responsible party in 75% of the cases of deforestation. “This is a problem that is concentrated in less than 1% of the large properties”, observed Azevedo, highlighting the importance of the biome for the country’s rainfall regime and its impact on the functioning of the Brazilian electrical system, which still depends heavily on hydroelectric power plants. In this sense, warned André Guimarães, co-facilitator of the Coalition and executive director of IPAM (Amazon Environmental Research Institute), there are also risks in Brazilian agricultural production in the Cerrado. “We have to stop illegal deforestation now. What is behind the business movement are more conscious consumers, families, and small investors who demand more sustainable products and services, and protection of the forest”, said Guimarães.
Present in the Amazon for over 20 years, Natura has particular experience in developing biosolutions for businesses based on this biome. For Natura Global Sustainability Manager, Luciana Villa Nova, it is necessary to know and respect the peculiarities of local communities. “It is necessary to constantly seek dialogue and cooperation with those who live in and know the Amazon. Nature-based solutions are the path to the future of the economy,” said the Natura executive.
Bayer’s Director of Engagement for Latin America, Alessandra Fajardo, highlighted the use of technology as a tool to increase production without expanding agricultural areas and reducing environmental impact. “Today, there is technology available to produce more without increasing agricultural areas,” she highlighted. Santander’s Sustainability Superintendent, Karine Bueno, emphasized the banks’ initiative in developing financial products that can leverage the low-carbon business agenda. “We need to recognize that this is a challenging issue and that we must act together,” said Karine.
ABOUT CEBDS
The Brazilian Business Council for Sustainable Development (CEBDS) is a non-profit civil association that promotes sustainable development through coordination with governments and civil society, in addition to disseminating the most current concepts and practices on the topic. Founded in 1997, it brings together around 60 of the largest business groups in the country, responsible for more than 1 million direct jobs. Represents the network of World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD), which has almost 60 national and regional councils in 36 countries and 22 industrial sectors, in addition to 200 business groups operating on all continents. More information: https://cebds.org/
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