Launched last Saturday (7) by CEBDS and by Peru SustainableThe Latin American Business Declaration on the Amazon reinforces the commitment of the region's business sector to combating illegality and promoting a sustainable and inclusive development model in the rainforest.
The document highlights the urgency of confronting illegal activities that threaten biodiversity and local communities, and proposes joint actions between governments, businesses, and civil society to protect the Amazon as a common heritage essential to global climate stability. Check out the full letter:
Declaration of Latin American Companies on the Amazon
The Amazon is home to 40% of the planet's tropical forestsIn a territory of 7 million km²of which 5.3 million km² are forestsprotects more than 400 indigenous peoples It is 10% of global terrestrial biodiversityThe water that flows through its rivers represents approximately 18% of all the fresh water that reaches the oceanswith a daily discharge of 17 trillion tonsFurthermore, the region is one of the largest carbon sinks on the planet, essential for maintaining the climate balance and water security of South America. It is also home to 40 to 50 million peopleincluding more than 400 indigenous peoples of immense cultural richness.according to United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
However, the Amazon is facing a challenge today. growing threat of illegal activities that compromise their integrity. In the last decade, more than 30% of deforestation in the Amazon region was associated with illegal logging; the illegal gold mining It contaminates rivers and soil with mercury, affecting the health of thousands of communities; and it is estimated that 60% of timber traded in some Amazonian countries have an illicit origin. These activities degrade biodiversity, weaken institutions, and violate the rights of local populations.
Illegality also fuels criminal networks that generate violence, human trafficking, forced labor and social exclusionAccording to the UN, the Organized crime linked to illicit economies in the Amazon moves billions of dollars annually., perpetuating cycles of poverty and insecurity in a territory that should be synonymous with life and opportunity.
This problem transcends national borders. International markets often buy without due diligence., reinforcing illegal supply chains. By maintaining a constant demand for products of dubious origin, They directly contribute to the perpetuation of deforestation, environmental degradation, and illicit economies.In this context, the fight against organized and environmental crime — both in terms of supply and demand — must always respect the... national legislation and the multilateral institutions, like the World Trade Organization (WTO).
To the Latin American companies They acknowledge that this reality is one of the main barriers to the sustainable development of the regionWithout curbing illegality, it is impossible to consolidate. an inclusive, resilient, and low-carbon model of prosperity.
Our commitments
As companies and business entities of Peru and of all the Latin America, articulated through Peru Sustainable It is CEBDSthrough Brazilian Business Statement for the Amazonrepresentatives of WBCSD in Peru and BrazilIn addition to our regional allies, we are committed to:
- To raise awareness and urgently address illegality in the Amazon.recognizing that protecting this ecosystem is essential to guaranteeing the environmental, social, and economic future of Latin America.
- To promote opportunities for sustainable and inclusive development.like bio-businesses, sustainable value chains and decent jobs that offer real alternatives to Amazonian communities.
- To promote solid, clear, and predictable regulatory frameworks. that prevent environmental damage and ensure legal security to the population and to formal and responsible economic activities.
- Strengthen control over our value chains., preventing products of illegal origin from entering the formal market and ensuring greater traceability and transparency.
- To encourage public-private and multi-sectoral collaboration., aware that the fight against illegality will only be effective if governments, businesses, civil society and indigenous peoples to work together.
- Defending the Amazon as a common heritage of Latin America and the world., recognizing that their protection is indispensable for the fulfillment of global climate and sustainable development commitments.
- To call upon developed countries and international markets. to guarantee Clear rules for trade, traceability, and responsible consumption.recognizing that illegality cannot be sustained without external demand. The protection of the Amazon requires global shared responsibility.
A The Amazon cannot wait.Acting now against illegality is the only way to guarantee a future of shared prosperity, security and sustainability for our region and for the planet.
