IDB, Brazil to Expand Collaboration on Bioeconomy for Amazonia

Two initiatives aim to reduce deforestation and conserve biodiversity

Cali, COLOMBIA - The Inter-American Development Bank and Brazil's Ministry of Environment and Climate Change announced two agreements at the UN Conference on Biodiversity, COP16, to promote bioeconomy and support communities in building new nature-based business ventures in the context of the IDB's Amazonia Forever program.

The first cooperation, in partnership with nature-conservation groups World Wildlife Fund, and Brazilian Fund for Biodiversity (Funbio), will support the development and implementation of "ARPA for Communities", one of the most important bioeconomy and biodiversity conservation initiatives in the Amazon basin.

As part of the partnership, IDB will help design and put in place innovative mechanisms to support local communities in building new nature-based business ventures focused on non-timber forest products, sustainable management, and agroforestry systems that conserve the forest and offer economic alternatives for people living and working in areas that are part of the ARPA (Amazon Region Protected Areas) program.

"ARPA for Communities" builds on the very successful experience of ARPA, considered the largest tropical forest protection initiative in the world. Created in 2002 to support the consolidation of 60 million hectares of protected areas in the Amazon, it covers 120 conservation units for full protection and sustainable use. The effort will receive a $1 million funding.

The second joint effort seeks to support the Environment Ministry in implementing the National Bioeconomy Strategy, a cornerstone of Brazil's efforts to promote sustainable economic development while combating deforestation, particularly in the Amazon region.

The project will develop an intelligent system to organize and promote scientific data and information on bioeconomy products and processes, support implementation of the Payment for Environmental Services Policy, and foster policy and financial solutions for biobusinesses. The cooperation will also be funded by $1 million. Both projects are financed by the Amazon Bioeconomy Fund, backed by the Green Climate Fund (GCF).

"We are very pleased with this partnership that will support the structuring of the National Bioeconomy Plan and the regulation of our agenda of payments for environmental services, both very important instruments of ecological transformation," said Carina Pimenta, Secretary of Bioeconomy at the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change.

"The sustainable use of biodiversity is the only way to forge a more prosperous and resilient future," said Bonilla. "Amazonia plays a key role in the world's environmental balance and is a priority for the IDB. Creating sustainable economic alternatives for those living in the region is a critical step to conserve the forest."

Latin America and the Caribbean at COP16

The countries of Latin America and the Caribbean are a nature powerhouse and a critical part of the solution to biodiversity loss. In its three pavilions, the IDB is hosting more than 50 events with international leaders and experts to showcase initiatives on nature and biodiversity, and innovative approaches to nature-positive investments aiming to restore and conserve biodiversity. Journalists covering CO16 on site are welcome to visit the pavilions, with no registration required. Consult the event schedule here.

Find us at our Blue Zone pavilions:

Amazonia Siempre

Conservation International, Fondo Acción & IDB

Joint MDB: Nature, People, and Planet

About Amazonia Forever

Amazonia Forever is a holistic umbrella program that aims at protecting biodiversity and accelerating sustainable development in three lines of action: expanding funding, boosting knowledge exchange, and facilitating regional coordination among the eight Amazonian countries.

The program is based on five pillars: (i) Combating deforestation and strengthening environmental control and security in the context of national governments; (ii) Bioeconomy and creative economy, promoting alternative and sustainable economic activities; (iii) People, aiming at adequate access to quality education, healthcare, and employment; (iv) Sustainable cities and infrastructure and connectivity; and (v) Sustainable, low-carbon agriculture, livestock and forestry. In addition, the program focuses on promoting the inclusion of women, indigenous peoples, people of African descent and multicultural communities; climate and forest conservation; and strengthening institutional capacities and the rule of law.

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