COP27: Government of France, COICA and Conservation International Enhance Partnership to Support IPLCs and Conservation of the Amazon

Launch phase two of Our Future Forests – Amazonia Verde; Sign declaration of intent in honor of partnership

SHARM EL-SHEIKH, Egypt (November 16, 2022) – Today, the French government, Coordinator of Indigenous organizations of the Amazon River Basin (COICA) and Conservation International launched the second phase of the Our Future Forests – Amazonia Verde initiative, a partnership working to conserve up to 12% of the Amazon – about 73 million hectares (180 million acres) – by 2025 alongside Indigenous peoples and local communities (IPLCs).

Announced at the French Pavilion at COP27 during the meeting of the Alliance for the Conservation of Rainforests, the second phase of the project will bring an additional €7 million of support from the French government to the effort. Of that €7 million, €1 million will go directly to support COICA’s work in the region.

In addition, the partners signed a declaration of intent to further illustrate their joint commitment to conserve the Amazon region by prioritizing Indigenous landscapes, gender-equality and collaboration in continued support of the Our Future Forests – Amazonia Verde project.

 “To effectively conserve the Amazon it is essential that we all work together and prioritize the knowledge, voices and experience of the Amazon’s Indigenous peoples and local communities as a key part of that effort,” said H.E. Pierre-Henri Guignard, Ambassador and Special Envoy for the Alliance for the Conservation of Rainforests. “The Amazon is incredibly important for our collective future and the second phase of the Amazonia Verde partnership, alongside our renewed commitment to work alongside Conservation International, COICA and other Indigenous peoples and local communities, is the next step in ensuring that this biodiverse landscape continues to thrive.”

The project, implemented by Conservation International in coordination with COICA, was initially launched in 2019 and currently supports 27 groups of IPLCs across seven countries (Brazil, Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Peru and Suriname). It provides tools, training and funding needed to build sustainable businesses that do not contribute to deforestation in the Amazon. 

The project also offers a fellowship program for Indigenous women to elevate their leadership and the important role they play in conserving their territories.

As Our Future Forests – Amazonia Verde enters its second phase, it will build on current success to:

• Further enhance the leadership capacity of IPLCs, including women;
• Support the development of sustainable deforestation-free value chains;
• Increase market access for IPLCs to improve incomes and sustainable livelihoods; and
• Advance IPLC communications efforts to spread awareness about the important role IPLCs play in conserving Amazonia, current challenges and new solutions. 

“The Alliance for the Conservation of Rainforests is a strategic and vital partnership for humankind. The Indigenous peoples have faced a process of struggle and learning to implement governance and generate trust that will restore the balance of the planet before our peoples and with international cooperation. In this regard, I thank the French government and our partner, Conservation International, to land this effort in the field and to elevate our voices, together, in the international arena,” said Gregorio Diaz Mirabal, Coordinator COICA.

“Protecting and conserving the Amazon is a global priority that would not be possible without the fundamental knowledge and the co-implementation of Indigenous communities. The support of France makes this partnership possible and we are looking forward to building on the previous success of the Our Future Forests – Amazonia Verde alliance,” said Mauricio Bianco, vice president of Conservation International-Brazil. “The signing of this declaration of intent today is representative of the great work in the region that has been accomplished and the even better work to come.”

When the Our Future Forests – Amazonia Verde project was first launched, the government of France committed €23 million while Conservation International provided co-funding in the amount of US$ 20 million. As the project continues with the additional support, all partners will work together to ensure a rights-based approach to conservation.

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About Conservation International: Conservation International protects nature for the benefit of humanity. Through science, policy, fieldwork and finance, we spotlight and secure the most important places in nature for the climate, for biodiversity and for people. With offices in 30 countries and projects in more than 100 countries, Conservation International partners with governments, companies, civil society, Indigenous peoples and local communities to help people and nature thrive together. Go to Conservation.org for more, and follow our work on Conservation News, Facebook, Twitter, TikTok, Instagram and YouTube.

About Our Future Forests – Amazonia Verde: Our Future Forests–Amazonia Verde is directly supporting Indigenous peoples and local communities that commit to protecting the Amazon rainforest. The project seeks to recognize and bolster the essential contributions of women to managing the Amazon. We are working to help close gender gaps by advancing the participation and influence of Indigenous women in international decision making related to Amazonia. Particular attention is given to the application of Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) and other rights-based approaches for gender equity. The project is focused in the following main outcomes:

• Protecting and supporting management of Indigenous peoples’ and local communities’ lands;
• Enhancing leadership training and opportunities for professional development;
• Identifying sustainable value chains and financial mechanisms; and
• Improving advocacy for the Amazon.