RELEASE: Launch of Major Coalition to Drive a Locally-Led, Sustainable Bioeconomy in the Amazon

The Pan-Amazon Network for Bioeconomy is a multisectoral alliance designed to conserve standing forests and flowing rivers while promoting a locally-led, sustainable new economy.

Cali, Colombia (October 30, 2024) - Today at COP16, World Resources Institute, Conservation International and more than twenty partners launched the Pan-Amazon Network for Bioeconomy. This new alliance is dedicated to promoting a locally-led, sustainable bioeconomy across the Amazon, with a focus on economic models that prioritize the preservation of standing forests, the region's rich biodiversity and the well-being of its local communities.

The alliance fills a critical gap in coordinating regional efforts to boost investments in the Amazon region that benefit both forests and local communities. It unites a diverse coalition of stakeholders committed to these goals, including Indigenous communities, local producers and associations, impact investors, financial institutions, research institutes and civil society.

The Network has established multiple task forces that work collaboratively to position the bioeconomy as an economic asset for the region. Key focus areas include mobilizing finance with appropriate safeguards, enhancing the value and fairness of bioeconomy markets and harmonizing public policies and incentives. The alliance also helps coordinate technical assistance for locally-led bioeconomy businesses to achieve long-term environmental and operational sustainability.

"Today marks a crucial step toward unlocking the tremendous potential of the Amazon bioeconomy. By forging innovative connections across sectors and integrating traditional knowledge with modern solutions, we can chart a new economic path. The Pan-Amazon Network for Bioeconomy envisions that by 2035, the bioeconomy will be recognized as an economic sector, with its value correctly accounted for, " said Vanessa Pérez-Cirera, Global Director for Economics at World Resources Institute.

Rachel Biderman, Senior Vice President, Americas at Conservation International adds, "By building a strong, nature-based economy, we're not only protecting the Amazon for the people who call it home and the countries it spans, but we're also taking a critical step towards harmonizing climate action, biodiversity conservation and human development. We're aiming at charting a new economic path that respects the region's unique ecosystems and cultural heritage. Conservation International is proud to be a part of this effort, working to ensure that the Network's commitments are translated into tangible actions."

The bioeconomy refers to non-timber forest products and services that maintain the ecological integrity of the biome, are inspired by ancestral practices and respect the culture of local inhabitants. Prominent examples of successful bioeconomy initiatives include Agrosolidaria Florencia, which sells agricultural and cosmetic products made from sustainably cultivated plants in the Amazon and operates the largest processing plant in the Colombian Amazon region, and the Amazon Business Alliance, which promotes investments in Peruvian Amazon sustainable businesses, with over 15 in its direct portfolio.

"The Amazon is an irreplaceable ecosystem teetering on the brink of collapse," said Joana Oliveira, Executive Secretary of the Network. "With over 47 million inhabitants, including Indigenous, Afro-descendant and traditional communities, the fate of this biome holds profound implications for its local populations, South America and the world. The Pan-Amazon Network is committed to ensuring the region pursues a new economy rooted in conserving forests, protecting rivers and investing in quality livelihoods."

Recent research shows that promoting a bioeconomy can be a cornerstone of sustainable development by driving local production, jobs and inclusive opportunities. The analysis, which focuses on Brazil, shows that by pursuing this approach, the country can achieve significant economic growth and job generation while limiting temperature rise to 1.5 degrees C above pre-Industrial levels.

Estela Noteno, Indigenous representative from Andi Wayusa, commented, "We are the guardians of the Amazon, and our knowledge has been passed down through generations, rooted in reciprocity with nature and a deep understanding of our forests. This Network supports our fight to protect our land and way of life, ensuring that future generations can thrive. Indigenous practices are not only compatible with a thriving bioeconomy but essential for its success."

Partners and supporters of the Pan-Amazon Network for Bioeconomy include the Amazon Investor Coalition, NESsT, LatImpacto, Conexsus, the Inter-American Development Bank, Nature Finance, Reos Partners, Uma Concertação Pela Amazônia, Agrosolidaria Florencia, Assobio, Tucum, Fundación Pachamama, Fundación Avina, Andi Wayusa, Coica, Global Youth Biodiversity Network, IPAM, Impact Not a Bank, Instituto Igarapé, Instituto Sinchi, Instituto Clima e Sociedade, Science Panel for the Amazon, Sustainable Development Solutions Network, Amazon Sustainable Landscape Program from the World Bank Group. Conservation International, World Resources Institute, The Nature Conservancy, World Wildlife Fund, and the Bezos Earth Fund. Together, these organizations bring diverse expertise and resources to the Network, enhancing its ability to effect meaningful change across the Amazon.

About World Resources Institute (WRI)
WRI is a trusted partner for change. Using research-based approaches, we work globally and in focus countries to meet people's essential needs; to protect and restore nature; and to stabilize the climate and build resilient communities. We aim to fundamentally transform the way the world produces and uses food and energy and designs its cities to create a better future for all. Founded in 1982, WRI has nearly 2,000 staff around the world, with country offices in Brazil, China, Colombia, India, Indonesia, Mexico and the United States and regional offices in Africa and Europe.

About Conservation International
Since 1987, Conservation International has worked to spotlight and secure the critical benefits that nature provides to humanity. Combining fieldwork with innovations in science, policy and finance, we've helped protect more than 6 million square kilometers (2.3 million square miles) of land and sea across more than 70 countries.

• Alison Cinnamond

  Global Director for Strategic Communications

• Darla Bijou van Hoorn

  Media Relations Manager