Fund has received over R$4.2bn in donations since its creation in 2008
11/18/2024
The United States and Norway announced two new contributions to the Amazon Fund on Sunday (17). The U.S. pledged $50 million, while Norway committed an additional $60 million. The U.S. announcement was made by President Joe Biden during his visit to Manaus, Amazonas. Mr. Biden said he is leaving a “strong legacy” for President-elect Donald Trump, who will take office on January 20, 2025.
The Amazon Fund has received over R$4.2 billion in internalized donations since its creation in 2008. Tereza Campello, socio-environmental director at the Brazilian Development Bank (BNDES), said R$882 million in projects have already been approved this year.
With the new pledge, U.S. contributions to the Amazon Fund will total $100 million. However, the donation announced by Mr. Biden is contingent on approval from the Republican-controlled U.S. Congress. “The fight against climate change has been the cause of my presidency. There’s no need to choose between the economy and the environment—we can do both,” he said.
“I’m leaving the presidency in January and will hand over a strong foundation to my successor, should they choose to continue this path. Some may deny or delay the clean energy revolution underway in the U.S., but no one can reverse it,” Mr. Biden added.
Norway, Brazil’s primary partner in the Amazon Fund, announced a new $60 million contribution to the initiative. Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre made the announcement as recognition of Brazil’s 31% reduction in deforestation in 2023.
The announcement was made during the Global Citizen Now Conference, held at the Getulio Vargas Foundation (FGV) in Rio de Janeiro. Mr. Støre is in Brazil for the G20 Leaders’ Summit that starts this Monday (18).
Mr. Støre said the donation reaffirms the longstanding partnership between Norway and Brazil on climate and rainforest preservation. “Brazil’s success in reducing deforestation is a clear demonstration of the Lula administration’s ambition and determination. It shows how targeted measures can deliver significant results for the climate and nature,” he said in a statement released by the Norwegian embassy in Brasília.
Norwegian Climate and Environment Minister Tore O. Sandvik underscored the importance of the partnership: “Preserving the rainforest is one of the most important investments we make. Since Lula resumed the presidency in January, deforestation has dropped significantly, proving that Brazil is a global leader and driving force in protecting tropical forests.”
(With Folhapress)
*By Lucianne Carneiro, Paula Martini — Rio de Janeiro
Source: Valor International