Our Future Forests - Amazonia Verde

OUR CHALLENGE

The Amazon rainforest — one of the world’s largest carbon sinks and home to the richest biodiversity on the planet — is in crisis. Man-made fires, agriculture and logging are bringing the Amazon to a tipping point that will have irreversible consequences for people, wildlife and the planet. To avoid this, we cannot afford to lose any remaining forest.

Indigenous peoples and local communities legally own at least a quarter of the Amazon. Supporting their management of these lands is critical to protecting the Amazon against the threats of unsustainable development and climate change.

PROJECT OVERVIEW

Our Future Forests–Amazonia Verde is working with Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities to advance investments and incentives that will conserve up to 12 percent of the Amazon — about 73 million hectares (180 million acres) — by 2025. With funding from the government of France, the project directly contributes to the objectives of the Alliance for the Conservation of Rainforests an open coalition led by France to promote the protection, restoration and sustainable management of rainforests worldwide.

The project supports the conservation initiatives of 27 groups of Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities — providing them with the tools, training, and funding needed to manage their lands and support overall conservation of the Amazon. Project activities will benefit more than 68,000 men, women and children.

The project also provides an opportunity to help close gender gaps by supporting Indigenous women’s leadership and highlighting Indigenous women’s roles as key players in local, national and regional conservation decision-making processes. Particular attention will be given to the application of Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) and other rights-based approaches for gender equity.

IMPLEMENTATION

Our Future Forests–Amazonia Verde will focus on four key areas:

Protecting and improving management of Indigenous peoples’ and local communities’ lands

Working together with Indigenous organizations and local authorities to increase the amount of land under protection and support the improved management of existing Indigenous lands and buffer zones using a combination of traditional knowledge and new technology. We are also supporting the development of land management plans where they currently do not exist, and guidelines for managing of natural resources and cultural heritage.

Enhancing leadership training and opportunities for professional development

Providing tools to build technical capacities and engaging decision-makers through programs aimed at improving negotiation, finance, administrative and communication skills. The project is supporting new leaders, by providing strategic training for women and youth. For more information see the Women’s Fellowship Program.

Identifying sustainable value chains and financial mechanisms

Increasing possibilities to access financing for livelihood strategies and business ideas in support of sustainable development and goods that do not contribute to deforestation in the Amazon. The project is working to facilitate access to climate and conservation finance and develop innovative opportunities.

Improving advocacy for the Amazon

Sharing lessons learned across the Amazon basin to contribute to Indigenous and local leaders’ understanding of climate change, ongoing mitigation and adaptation efforts, and negotiations and conservation agreements underway. Also, showcasing efforts and results to a wider audience by participating in international conservation events.

Our Future Forests-Amazonia Verde is funded by the French Government and Conservation International (CI). Click here to read the project factsheet. For additional information, please contact Luz Adriana Zuñiga, Communications Manager.