The Role of Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities in Conserving the Amazon and Preventing Tipping Points
The unique ecosystems of the Amazon are gravely imperiled, and climate and land use changes already have dire consequences, but a Living Amazon that promotes sustainable development in the region and mitigates global and regional climate change impacts is possible. In this regard, the work of the SPA is more urgent and necessary than ever.
Building on the main achievements to date, the SPA will aim to distill the latest scientific knowledge relevant for policymakers, support responsible advocacy efforts, and disseminate scientific research and knowledge (including Indigenous and local knowledge) to support evidence-based decision-making.
Ultimately, the vision being promoted by the SPA is for an inclusive regional economy based on knowledge and the sustainable use of resources from healthy standing forests and flowing rivers, essential elements to combat the climate emergency and protect biodiversity.
This session aims to highlight the importance of the Amazon region to the regional and global climate, demonstrate how the carbon budget of the Amazon has been changing over the past decades and how the region risks crossing a tipping point, and raise awareness on how Indigenous peoples are affected by and help prevent further climate change.