The Amazon Cooperation Treaty Organization (ACTO) is a pivotal regional group comprising eight Amazon Basin countries (Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Peru, Suriname, and Venezuela) aimed at promoting sustainable development and conservation of the Amazon Rainforest. ACTO was established following the signing of the Amazon Cooperation Treaty (ACT) on July 3, 1978. This organization coordinates the efforts of member countries to ensure that development in the region integrates their economic, social, and environmental priorities effectively.
Key Functions and Goals of ACTO:
●Environmental Conservation: ACTO works towards the sustainable management and conservation of the Amazon's natural resources, focusing on combating deforestation and wildlife trafficking.
● Sustainable Development: The organization seeks to harmonize environmental conservation with economic growth, advocating for responsible and sustainable resource use.
●Indigenous Rights and Participation: Acknowledging the crucial role of Indigenous communities in maintaining the ecological balance of the Amazon, ACTO supports initiatives to protect their rights and territories. The Belem Declaration, released during the Amazon Summit, highlights this by recognizing Indigenous knowledge as essential for biodiversity conservation. It advocates for the full and effective participation of Indigenous Peoples in decision-making and public policy formulation processes.
● Scientific Research and Knowledge Sharing: ACTO promotes scientific research on the Amazon’s biodiversity and facilitates information and technology exchange among member states.
● International Cooperation: The organization acts as a platform for dialogue and collaboration with international partners to address regional environmental and developmental challenges.
The Belem Declaration also addresses the threats faced by Indigenous Peoples, emphasizing that securing land rights is critical not only for their protection but also for preventing deforestation and safeguarding biodiversity within these territories. Anders Haug Larsen, head of International Advocacy at Rainforest Foundation Norway, stresses the importance of land rights for Indigenous People as a means of better protection and biodiversity conservation.
Additionally, the declaration from the Amazon Summit acknowledges the need for diverse forest economy solutions to shift away from agricultural commodities as the predominant economic model in the region. It promotes the sustainable use of biodiversity resources, which is essential for creating a resilient economic system that benefits both the environment and the local populations.
Through these initiatives, ACTO remains central to fostering sustainable practices and policies that ensure the Amazon Rainforest continues to be a vital global resource for biodiversity and climate regulation.
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