Amazonia today: A region between development, destruction and climate protection

Read the publication here. Watch the recording of this event here.

The Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung European Union cordially invites you to the online presentation and expert debate on the study “Amazonia Today – A region between development, destruction and climate protection”.

Amazonia not only holds the largest tropical rain forest and freshwater basin in the world, it is also a natural habitat and hotspot of biological diversity, and is home to 33 million people, among which are 385 registered indigenous peoples. Its protection is crucial for achieving the Paris agreement.

However, current trends in the so-called “lungs of the world” are of grave concern. The rate of deforestation since the inauguration of Jair Bolsonaro as Brazilian President in January 2019 has risen dramatically, now also spurred by the Covid-19 crisis. Even previously, though, deforestation has not been halted. We will take a closer look at the complex social, economic and political causes of deforestation and land degradation in Amazonia.

Together with EU representatives and experts from the ground, we will debate on how EU policies can help protect this unique natural environment. The role of EU trade policy instruments as well as the EU-Mercosur trade deal will be at the heart of the debate.  

Agenda

17:00-17:05 Brussels / 12:00-12:05 Rio: Welcome

17:05-17:20 Brussels / 12:05-12:20 Rio: Presentation of the study “Amazonia Today – A region between destruction, development and climate protection”, by Thomas Fatheuer, author of the study

17:20-17:40 Brussels / 12:20-12:40 Rio: Comments on the study, by:

• Paolo Garzotti, Head of Unit – Latin America, Directorate-General for Trade, European Commission
• Anna Cavazzini MEP, The Greens/EFA Group in the European Parliament
• Maureen Santos, Policy Officer, Federation of Organizations for Social and Educational Assistance, Brazil
• Dr. Gabi Küppers, former Advisor (1992-2020) for International Trade Policy and Latin America for the Greens/EFA Group in the European Parliament

17:40-18:25 Brussels / 12:40-13:25 Rio: Discussion and Q&A with the audience  

18:25-18:30 Brussels / 13:25-13:30 Rio: Conclusions

Moderation by Lisa Tostado, Head of International Climate, Energy and Agriculture Policy Programme, Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung European Union

Working languages: English/Portuguese (simultaneous interpretation)

Please register by Friday 9 October 2020 here.

If you have any questions, please contact Anna Trzcinska: Anna.Trzcinska@eu.boell.org.

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