RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE LETICIA PACT IN A CONTEXT OF GREEN, JUST, AND RESILIENT ECONOMIC RECOVERY - WWF
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RECOMMENDATIONS
FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF
THE LETICIA PACT IN A CONTEXT
OF GREEN, JUST, AND RESILIENT
ECONOMIC RECOVERY
1
Recommendations for the implementation of the
Leticia Pact in a context of green, just, and resil-
ient economic recovery
Policy recommendations for Amazonian governments to
influence economic recovery and stimulus plans in the
context of COVID 19, within the framework of the Action
Plan of the Leticia Pact.
By:
Juliana Castro Escobar and Mariana Tafur Rueda
(consultants)
Table of Contents
Introduction 4
1. Context 6
2. The importance of a green economic recovery 12
3. Economic recovery in the Amazonian context 20
3.1. The Amazon biome and its importance
for the planet 23
3.2. Recovery strategies 25
4. The Leticia Pact as an opportunity
for green recovery 28
4.1. General Context of the Leticia Pact 30
4.2. Implementation progress 33
4.3. Recommendations for the implementation of
the Leticia Pact Action Plan within the framework
of economic recovery 36
References 52
Cover photo:
©️ Luis Barreto - WWF - UK
Back cover photo:
©️ César David Martinez
WWF June 2021
WWF Colombia, WWF
Amazon coordination unit
Contact: Paula Bueno
pabueno@wwf.org.co
©️ Andre Dib - WWF - Brazil
2 WWF -Recommendations for the implementation of the Leticia Pact in a context of green, just, and resilient economic recovery 3
INTRODUCTION
The link between humans and nature has been deteriorating and with it zoonotic biome, capable of sustaining its environmental and cultural contributions for local
diseases, which originate in animals and are transmitted to people, have been peoples within a framework of social equity, inclusion and global responsibility,
growing at an alarming rate. Such is the case of the pandemic caused by the combining protection, sustainable management and restoration of ecosystems
Covid-19 virus that began at the end of 2019 and has not yet been overcome in with the visions and needs of local communities and the sustainable development
most countries around the world. According to the report Covid-19: Urgent Call to needs of the countries of the region (WWF, 2020:2).
Protect People and Nature by WWF (2020), there are two factors directly related
to this type of disease: unsustainable food systems that drive land conversion The document has four sections. The first section emphasizes the context of
for agricultural purposes, and inadequate food safety standards relating to the Covid-19, its social and economic consequences and the importance of relating
consumption of wildlife species. If these factors continue to go unchecked, the this and future viruses to the conservation of the Amazon biome. The second
consequence will be increased exposure to animal pathogens at the animal- section discusses the importance of achieving green and resilient economic
human interface (WWF, 2020). recovery to face the effects of the pandemic, which has at its core the development
of more harmonious relationship models between people and nature. The third
Accordingly, this is a key moment in human history to build a safer and section consists of a synthesis of the actions and plans that have been developed
more sustainable future for people and the planet. The strategy can start by by the Amazonian countries for such recovery, with special attention to Ecuador,
promoting green and resilient recovery plans to repair this link with nature and Peru and Colombia. Finally, the fourth section focuses on providing specific
thus, reduce the risk of future pandemics. This document presents a series of recommendations related to the mandates of the Leticia Pact and its Action Plan
recommendations for the economic recovery of the countries of the Amazon as an opportunity for green, fair and resilient recovery.
biome in the wake of the Covid-19 crisis and within the framework of the Leticia
Pact, as an opportunity for governments to work together.
It is expected that, within the framework of green and resilient recovery, these
recommendations will lead to actions which addresses the challenges that
threaten the integrity of the Amazon biome and currently cause large-scale loss
of ecosystems, ecosystem services, biodiversity and cultural diversity. The aim
is for Amazonian governments to generate coordinated strategies that recognize
the Amazon as an integrated system and seek to maintain an ecologically healthy
©️ Shutterstock - Gustavo Frazao - WWF
4 WWF -Recommendations for the implementation of the Leticia Pact in a context of green, just, and resilient economic recovery 5
1. CONTEXT
What is the Leticia Pact?
In September 2019, leaders from seven Amazonian
countries met in Leticia, Colombia, and signed the Leticia
Pact for the Amazon, an important political commitment
to coordinate efforts and responses to the current crisis
facing the Amazon and increase regional collaboration
to protect the world’s largest tropical forest and promote
the sustainable use of the resources it provides. The Pact
includes important commitments on key issues such as
joint monitoring, strategies to combat deforestation and
ecosystem degradation, conservation, restoration and
sustainable-use actions, cooperation mechanisms, exchange
of experiences and lessons learned, as well as actions to
collaboratively combat forest fires that have been plaguing the
region. Since signing the Pact, governments have advanced
the development of an Action Plan for implementation,
working groups have been established with the support of
the Amazon Cooperation Treaty Organization (ACTO) for the
various themes of the Pact and, thanks to the sponsorship
of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), a fund for
sustainable development and bioeconomy has been created to
support its implementation.
©️ Marizilda Cruppe - WWF-UK
6 WWF -Recommendations for the implementation of the Leticia Pact in a context of green, just, and resilient economic recovery 7
The Amazon in a pandemic context is already becoming evident and will have devastating consequences for those
who work informally, which, according to 2018 figures from the International
Labor Organization (ILO), amount to 53% of workers in the region.
The Amazon biome is one of the largest providers of environmental services on the
planet and, in addition to regulating climate and rainfall in key agricultural regions,
Recognizing this deep crisis goes beyond the economic aspects, it is important
its protection is necessary for the regulation of pests and diseases. This is due to
to ask what the impacts are on the environment, and Indigenous Peoples and
the relationship that has become increasingly evident between the degradation of
local communities (often the main victims of inequalities). It is also critical to
nature and human health and, specifically, to the fact that in deforested areas the
ascertain the impacts on governments’ promises and agreements in relation to
spread of zoonotic diseases is much greater than in conserved areas.
the reduction of deforestation and implementation of conservation initiatives,
recognizing that the region has among the highest levels of biodiversity in the
Therefore, conserving the Amazon and completely halting the loss of ecosystems
world, with areas as biodiversity rich as the Amazon.
must be done urgently to maintain climate stability, cultures, the economies of
the planet and the survival of the human species. This is more necessary today, as
WWF in its document, Latin America and the Caribbean in the context of the
the biome is undergoing rapid transformations that threaten its integrity, species
Covid-19 pandemic- Messages for governments, indicates that “the way we grow
and the environmental and global services it provides, including regional and
and consume products, produce and use energy, protect coastal ecosystems and
global climate stabilization (WWF, 2020: 2).
forests will either condemn us or allow us to walk the path to a resilient future,
help us to be healthier, and protect the lives of people, which depend, among other
The Covid-19 pandemic arrived in Latin America at a time when the economies of
things, on a healthy environment. The current crisis creates an urgent need for
the countries of the region are weak and vulnerable, especially in macroeconomic
a deep process of reflection on the relationship between humans and nature, the
terms. According to the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean
social inequalities and risks associated with current economic development models,
(ECLAC) in its Report on the Economic Impact in Latin America and the Caribbean
and how we might better protect ourselves in the future.” (WWF, 2020: 1).
of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), “in the decade following the global financial
crisis (2010-2019), the regional Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth rate
declined from 6% to 0.2%. Moreover, the 2014-2019 period saw the lowest growth
since the 1950s (0.4%). As the pandemic spreads in the region, its characterization
as a health, economic and social crisis is increasingly evident. The dimension
and duration of its effects, although difficult to quantify due to uncertainty, are
beginning to be clearly perceived. It will be the cause of the greatest economic and
social crisis in the region in decades, with very negative effects on employment, the
fight against poverty and the reduction of inequality.” (CEPAL, 2020: 8).
Economic experts indicate that the pandemic will have a broad impact on two
fronts which will particularly affect economies such as those in Latin America. On
the one hand, the global slowdown and, on the other hand, the drop in the prices
of raw materials because of this slowdown; raw materials being the basis of the
economies of the countries in the region (Manzano and Saboin, 2020). Covid-19
will increase public debt and, unlike the “advanced economies”, most countries in
the region will have limited fiscal stimulus (IDB, 2020).
In addition, 26 million jobs have been lost in Latin America and the Caribbean
during the pandemic (ILO, 2021:1)(ILO, 2021:2) and the number of people
suffering from extreme hunger will increase from 135 million in 2019 to 265 million
in 2020 (FAO, 2020). Emerging from the pandemic all Latin American countries
will find themselves with more poverty, inequality, unemployment, informality, a
significant consequence of insolvent companies, weakened financial sectors and
more difficult fiscal situations than at any time in the last 20 years (IDB, 2020).
According to ECLAC, some of the main effects that the Covid-19 pandemic will
bring to the region are: (i) decreased economic activity in several major trading
partners; (ii) reduced demand for tourism services; (iii) disruption of global value
chains; (iv) falling commodity prices; (v) worsening financial conditions; (vi)
reduced remittances. A rise in unemployment and social inequality in the region
©️ Adriano Gambarini _ WWF Living Amazon Initiative
8 WWF -Recommendations for the implementation of the Leticia Pact in a context of green, just, and resilient economic recovery 9
Specifically in the Amazon region, during the pandemic there According to the Coordinator of the Indigenous Organizations of the Amazon
has been evidence of the growth of some pressures such as Basin (COICA), in 2020 there were 202 environmental and territorial leaders
deforestation, mining and the increase of other illegal activities murdered in Colombia, Brazil, Peru and Bolivia. This is a 67% increase compared
such as wildlife trafficking. For example, in Brazil, in the first to 2019. In 2021, 16 indigenous people in Colombia and Peru have been murdered
quarter of 2020 the historical deforestation record was broken so far. COICA and its member organizations have reacted by declaring a state
and it was reported that deforestation alerts grew 63.75% in of emergency demanding urgent actions to protect indigenous defenders and
April 2020 during the social isolation measures due to the recognize their rights at national, regional and international levels.
pandemic (WWF, 2020: 2). These pressures are associated
with the absence of the state and decreased forest monitoring It is important to mention that in addition to the environmental effects of
in some regions, which is associated with situations such as the increased rates of deforestation and forest cover burning, the forest fires that
strengthening of armed groups and illegal activities in some have been increasing in the Amazon biome affect air quality and combined with
In countries such as Brazil, the first of the Amazonian countries. Likewise, the growing economic the spread of Covid-19, can have harmful effects on the health of the Amazonian
quarter of 2020 hit its deforestation crisis faced by the region’s inhabitants is generating even more population (IPAM Amazonia, 2020).
pressure on ecosystems as people seek access to land to ensure
record and deforestation alerts were their daily subsistence. Considering the current situation which shows the importance of biodiversity and of
reported to have increased by 63.75% the conservation and sustainable use of species and ecosystems in building greater
in April 2020, during social isolation The environmental pressures are further exacerbated by the fact resilience to climate change and future pathogens, the implementation of the Action
that Covid-19 has had a devastating impact on the indigenous Plan of the Leticia Pact is a unique opportunity to strengthen coordinated and
measures due to the pandemic. peoples living in the region, with more than 65,000 people infected comprehensive actions in the Amazon biome. Implementation of the Pact can help
and 2,000 deaths (Scientific Panel for the Amazon, 2020). In to ensure conservation and human welfare in the region. To achieve this objective,
addition, the growing number of murders of social leaders and inter-institutional efforts are needed at the national and international levels, with
defenders of the territory and the environment in some Amazonian the involvement of the Amazonian countries, as well as international cooperation
countries such as Colombia, Brazil and Peru is alarming and their organizations and financial institutions. In addition, all of this must be aligned with
prevention should be prioritized within national and regional the economic recovery plans being implemented in the region.
actions. According to the latest report by Global Witness, Colombia
is the most dangerous country in the world for environmental
defenders and Brazil is in third place. (Global Witness, 2020).
©️ Luis Barreto _ WWF-UK ©️ Andre Dib - WWF-Brazil
10 WWF -Recommendations for the implementation of the Leticia Pact in a context of green, just, and resilient economic recovery 11
2. THE IMPORTANCE
OF A GREEN
ECONOMIC RECOVERY
In response to the global economic slowdown and the
socioeconomic crisis caused by Covid-19 control measures,
governments are implementing policies and packages
to reactivate national economies. In the Amazon region,
governments have focused on key priorities to address the
emergency, including strengthening the health system,
protecting the most vulnerable households and the business
sector, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises.
As highlighted, the implementation of these recovery
measures should be seen as an opportunity to promote a
systemic perspective on development that has at its core
the interrelationship between the health of the planet and
human beings (Reactivación Transformadora, 2020).
©️ Daniel Martínez - WWF - Peru
12 WWF -Recommendations for the implementation of the Leticia Pact in a context of green, just, and resilient economic recovery 13This is necessary so that the response to the crisis can foster job creation, income planetary limits for their fulfillment (Ibid). Secondly, it is key that governments
generation and place the protection of nature at its center. At the same time, recovery join the decarbonization pathway, agreed in the Paris Agreement, which seeks
stimuli should not create setbacks in environmental terms and in terms of recognition to implement actions to limit the increase in global temperature and achieve a
of rights. The degradation of nature and the pandemic have a clear link that 45% reduction in global emissions by 2030 and net decarbonization by 2050.
sometimes seems invisible to decision-makers. Understanding that human health Likewise, Amazon countries must ratify the Escazu Regional Agreement on Access
and planetary health are closely linked will imply making policy decisions in which to Information, Public Participation and Justice in Environmental Matters in
environmental conservation is a fundamental axis, since the protection of biodiversity Latin America and the Caribbean (Ibid).
allows for greater resilience in the face of future viruses (WWF, 2020: 1).
Along these lines, to not lose sight of the international commitments made in
Thus, it is essential to achieve a transition to greener economies, in which profound the face of the various challenges facing the Amazon context, economic recovery
transformations are generated in current models to ensure efficiency in the use and must comply with international conventions and treaties such as the United
management of natural resources, innovation and investment in green industries Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, Minamata Convention on
and nature-based solutions, and sustainability in economic growth. Likewise, to Mercury, Convention on Biological Diversity, and the Convention to Combat
achieve a transformative reactivation it is necessary to promote a systemic approach Desertification and Land Degradation. The Nationally Determined Contribution
that addresses the social inequity that has deepened with the Covid-19 pandemic by (NDC) must also be integrated.
formulating public policies that foster healthier relationships between people and the
natural world (Reactivación Transformadora, 2020). In summary, to achieve a green and sustainable recovery in line with international
commitments, recovery plans should seek to improve human well-being without
To this end, post-Covid-19 recovery plans and stimulus packages must also be aligned being detrimental to nature, recognizing that nature is the basis for prosperous
with international commitments. That is, they can serve as an opportunity to address and sustainable socioeconomic development. Recovery plans should also prioritize
climate change and biodiversity loss on a global scale by supporting key targets actions that support the transition to greener economies in support of climate, nature
already established in international agreements. and sustainable development objectives in line with international commitments.
Finally, they should adopt a multilevel and cross-sectoral approach that promotes job
For this reason, they must be aligned with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable creation, economic empowerment and social well-being based on a synergy between
Development, which promotes a holistic vision of development that, in turn, development, climate and nature. (WWF and ILO, 2020).
promotes equality and sustainability as guiding principles and considers the
©️ Luis Barreto - WWF - UK
14 WWF -Recommendations for the implementation of the Leticia Pact in a context of green, just, and resilient economic recovery 15Nature-based Specifically in the Amazon context, it is crucial that the transition
Solutions safeguards and respects the rights and livelihoods of Indigenous
Peoples and local communities so that they can make sustainable
use of the forest according to their own cultures and traditions. All of
this must lead to low carbon, socially sustainable economies focused
on halting biodiversity loss, maximizing ecosystem resilience, and
mitigating climate change.
Bioeconomy
Considering the above, there are some elements that can be
enhanced to integrate green growth in the recovery plans of
Amazonian countries:
Green jobs
1. Nature-based Solutions:
©️ Luis Barreto - WWF - UK
To begin with, strategies should be oriented towards the
implementation of nature-based solutions (NBS), understanding
that these encompass different actions to protect, restore and
Energy matrix
sustainably manage natural or modified ecosystems and thus
address societal challenges in an effective and adaptive manner 2. Bioeconomy:
(Cohen-Shacham et al., 2016).
It is essential to promote bioeconomy as a strategy for the economic recovery
Nature-based solutions have proven to be effective in protecting, of countries in the region. This is defined by the European Commission as
sustainably managing, and restoring ecosystems, as well as in “the production of renewable biological resources and the conversion of these
addressing food security - or food sovereignty - for communities, resources from the waste stream into value-added products such as food, bio-
and reducing the effects and risks of natural disasters, among other based products and bioenergy. Its sectors and industries have a strong potential
Green things. Increasing the use of NBS has several advantages including for innovation due to the use of a wide range of sciences, industrial and enabling
infrastructure integrated environmental outcomes, promotion of human health technologies, together with local and tacit knowledge” (European Commission,
and well-being, and empowerment of local communities. All of 2018). It can be said that bioeconomy as an economic model has great potential in
these can be effective in addressing some of the challenges facing the Amazon because it is the most biodiverse region in the world.
humanity and maintaining biodiversity while conserving jobs and
improving labor productivity (WWF and ILO, 2020).
In the Amazon context, these solutions must focus on ways to
Land use combine conservation and sustainable use of biome resources
to achieve zero net deforestation and forest degradation while
promoting sustainable development, ensuring livelihoods for local
populations that are in harmony with nature. Key to this is to act
under an integrated landscape management approach and prioritize
strategies that promote and finance sustainable forest management,
deforestation-free value chains, non-conversion landscapes, and the
Comprehensive restoration and reforestation of degraded areas.
policies
©️ Daniel Martínez - WWF - Peru
16 WWF -Recommendations for the implementation of the Leticia Pact in a context of green, just, and resilient economic recovery 173. Green jobs: decarbonization (renewable energy sources, electrification, public and non-
motorized transportation, and ecosystem conservation and restoration). It should
also seek to be resilient to the impacts of climate change and natural disasters.
The promotion of green businesses and green jobs should be central to economic
recovery plans. Green businesses are those centered on economic activities focused
on environmental conservation. They offer goods and services that generate positive
environmental impacts and incorporate good environmental, social, and economic
6. Land use:
practices. In addition, they seek to ensure their products and services have a longer Land use is a fundamental aspect in preventing forest loss and degradation.
life cycle than traditional ones. The promotion of green jobs is necessary to achieve Mechanisms that support the sustainable use of forests, sustainable production
low-emission economic growth and contribute to reducing poverty and improving systems and responsible production and consumption patterns must be
the living standards of the population in developing countries. strengthened. To this end, it is essential to promote the development of new
resilient production chains based on solidarity and fair trade that, from the
planning stage, seek to achieve zero deforestation and forest degradation. Some
4. Energy matrix: options include the promotion of agroforestry economies based on sustainable
agricultural practices with forest species and non-timber products that provide
direct local incentives to farmers and move away from the expansion of large-
In past years the energy matrix in the Amazon region has been mainly focused on
scale agricultural and livestock industries.
the increasing construction of hydroelectric dams, which has generated negative
effects on the integrity of rivers (WWF, 2016). An energy transition in the region
can create opportunities to stimulate the recovery of economies and job creation.
Boosting energy transformation to renewable sources is an opportunity to achieve
international climate goals that drive economic growth and improve welfare in a
post-pandemic context.
5. Green infrastructure:
Enhancing green infrastructure is vital for the sustainable development of the
region. It is a way to boost economic growth because it increases assets for
competitiveness (roads, energy generation and others). According to the IDB,
“infrastructure boosts employment generation and improves income distribution,
which is key in one of the most unequal regions on the planet. Investment in
infrastructure fosters integration and foreign trade” (IDB, 2020:11). In the
Amazon region, this infrastructure cannot be one that generates negative
impacts on ecosystems and local communities. It must be, above all, one that
minimizes greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by considering the four pillars of
©️ Adriano Gambarini - WWF Living Amazon
7. Comprehensive policies:
Integrated forest management policies should be promoted through a
combination of conservation actions in protected areas and the recognition,
consolidation, and sustainable management of indigenous territories. Both
protected areas and indigenous territories should be integrated into regional
development and investment plans where their financial sustainability is
guaranteed. To this end, it is important to establish integrated financing
© FCDS
mechanisms with public and private partners and donors.
18 WWF -Recommendations for the implementation of the Leticia Pact in a context of green, just, and resilient economic recovery 193. ECONOMIC
RECOVERY IN THE
AMAZONIAN CONTEXT
©️ Luis Barreto - WWF - UK
20 WWF -Recommendations for the implementation of the Leticia Pact in a context of green, just, and resilient economic recovery 213.1. The Amazon biome and its importance for the planet
The Amazon is a biome of great natural and cultural diversity that plays a crucial
role in the global water, energy and carbon cycles. It is the largest continuous
2,200 10 %
system of tropical forests and rivers in the world and the largest reservoir of
biodiversity on the planet, with more than 10% of all its plant and animal species.
6.7
It is the largest forest and river system in the world, being the source of 20% of the
million km 2 new species planet’s unfrozen freshwater and generating “flying rivers” that regulate rainfall in
of forest described of global reserve Latin American (it is estimated that 90% of Latin American agriculture depends
since 1999 of carbon stored on this rainfall). The biome is a fundamental buffer against climate change, as its
ONE
forests store more than 100 billion tons of carbon, representing approximately 10%
of global emissions (Scientific Panel for the Amazon, 2020).
This biome provides multiple ecosystem services such as: water recycling of 50-75%
of annual rainfall to the atmosphere; food production including 400,000 tons of
34 million AMAZON
fish per year, and a discharge of 200,000 m3 of freshwater to the Atlantic Ocean
every second (WWF, 2020: 2).
11,000
It is also home to 34 million people, including about 3 million indigenous people
who make up more than 500 groups, some in voluntary isolation and initial
contact, which must be protected. They are the holders of ancestral wisdom and
residents traditional knowledge that are fundamental for the protection of the region’s
years of settlement biodiversity. In addition, it is important to note that protected areas and
8
indigenous territories cover almost half of the Amazon, it is here where the least
environmental degradation is evident.
Unfortunately, human actions such as the search for land, the exploitation of
countries
energy and minerals, and small and large-scale cattle ranching, which have led to
2.1 million
the deforestation of vast portions of the biome, have destroyed 20% of the region’s
+ 1 overseas territory
km2
forest. An increase in mining and fossil fuel extraction has also been identified in
recent years and it is estimated that nearly 70% of protected areas and indigenous
2species
,500
territories are threatened by roads, legal and illegal mining, oil and gas extraction,
of protected areas over illegal invasions, hydroelectric dams, and deforestation (Scientific Panel for the
Amazon, 2020). It is estimated that by 2030, 27% of the biome will be treeless if
the rate of deforestation and environmental degradation remains the same (WWF,
of fish 2016). There are studies suggesting that if up to an additional 5% of the forest is
over
500 indigenous lost, an ecological tipping point could be reached (WWF, 2020: 2).
1,000,000 km2
groups
17-20% According to this source, the main pressures on the Amazon Forest at present are:
of freshwater
ecosystems
of global
219 ,000 m3
1. Livestock production and extensive systems, which are the main
freshwater cause of deforestation linked to land speculation in some countries.
40,000
plant species
freshwater discharged every
second into the Atlantic 2. Deforestation for the expansion of the agricultural frontier and
mechanized agriculture (especially for animals and biofuels from
soybeans, palm oil and corn).
22 WWF -Recommendations for the implementation of the Leticia Pact in a context of green, just, and resilient economic recovery 233.2. Recovery strategies
3. Expansion of unsustainable small-scale farming practices.
In the aftermath of the pandemic that began in Amazon countries in March 2020,
governments have turned to certain priorities related to economic recovery. In
this section we will review the decisions that some of the Amazonian governments
have taken in relation to their economic recovery and whether these decisions
4. The development of poorly planned infrastructure such as have incorporated a vision of green growth. However, it is important to clarify
dams, and the expansion of hydropower without sustainable that these decisions have not directly involved the Leticia Pact as an opportunity
guidelines, whose construction is associated with deforestation for recovery to be conceived from a more sustainable development perspective,
and the violation of local communities’ rights. hence the importance of its implementation as a central axis of a resilient and
green recovery in the region.
5. The construction of new roads: the highest rates of deforestation
occur in areas with the greatest road development.
6. Forest fires caused by poorly controlled burning, inadequate
forest management and rising global temperatures.
7. The increase in informal and illegal gold mining and extractive
activities associated with deforestation and degradation of
protected areas and mercury contamination of rivers.
8. Unsustainable legal or illegal timber trade and species
trafficking that contributes to forest degradation.
9. Illegal hunting of species, including the killing of dolphins and
jaguars, and overfishing.
It is necessary to ensure that the economic recovery strategies of Amazonian
countries integrate biome conservation as a priority and promote strategies to
halt deforestation and degradation, as well as biodiversity loss.
©️ Brent Stirton - Getty Images - WWF
24 WWF -Recommendations for the implementation of the Leticia Pact in a context of green, just, and resilient economic recovery 25The following is a summary of the priorities of the The Colombian government’s first response was a package
of measures to contain the virus. This was followed by the
governments of Ecuador, Colombia and Peru in relation to formulation of the Reactivation Plan New Commitment for
the Future of Colombia, which amounts to more than 135
economic recovery and the links that can be established billion pesos (COP). This Plan has led to commitments such
with the protection of nature. as the generation of employment, clean and sustainable
growth, commitments to the poorest and most vulnerable and
to the health of Colombians. Two approaches stand out in
environmental terms: the promotion of renewable energy sources
Ecuador and the restoration and protection of the environment (this, above
all, through the planting of trees).
Ecuador’s GDP shows the vulnerability of several sectors to the
effects of Covid-19. This is reflected in the US$6 billion in losses According to the Policy for the reactivation, repowering and
due to the crisis and a fall of close to 9% in GDP. Manufacturing, sustainable and inclusive growth: new commitment for the future
agricultural production and natural resource extraction, especially of Colombia (Conpes 4023 of 2021), the proposed investment
oil, account for almost 40% of the country’s income. Ecuador’s plan will allow coordination of the different sources of public and
Ministry of Production reports figures of up to 80% of economic private investment to implement the programs. In relation to
paralysis in construction, 80% in hotel and restaurant services, environmental protection, the reactivation action plan proposes
70% in manufacturing and 40% in commerce by 2020. Faced with lines of action such as developing the bioeconomy and green
this scenario, the Ecuadorian government has proposed short-, businesses, promoting the circular economy, and promoting
medium- and long-term responses. sustainable productive development in rural areas.
In the short term, the government announced a credit line of
US$50 million for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)
through the Bank of the Ecuadorian Institute of Social Security Peru
and the National Financial Corporation, as well as aid to SMEs
through the Reactivation of Ecuador credit line. In addition, Peru’s economy fell 11% during the Covid-19 crisis. The
public spending will be reduced through the elimination of public Peruvian government created a business fund for small
companies and embassies. The economic reactivation plan pillars and medium-sized enterprises (MYPE), as well as a fund
are to strengthen the health system, guarantee food, especially for to support entrepreneurship that guarantees loans. In
the most vulnerable sectors, maintain dollarization and promote addition, the donation of public workers’ salaries has
employment sustainability. been implemented. The main investments have been in
transportation and communications (3,897 million soles);
In the medium and long term, the objective has been focused housing (1,472 million soles); and in the agricultural sector
on economic reactivation based on a productive structure (377 million soles).
that is more resilient to economic cycles. This is done through
investment plans prioritizing public investment projects and Under Emergency Decree 114 of 2020 for economic
support programs for particularly affected sectors such as tourism. reactivation through public investment, the financing of
In addition, in the long term, it is expected to transform the infrastructure measures for urban roads, urban equipment,
productive system into a more resilient one and to advance in the rainwater drainage and urban and rainwater sanitation is
formalization of the economy. established. By means of the financing of these projects, it is
expected to have reactivated the economy, among others, by
Finally, Ecuador has defined some lines of action in the framework generating employment. Some of these measures may also be
of joint work with the European Union and its Member States strategic for green growth if they are conceived from a vision
on green growth: green transition and the creation of territories of environmental preservation and conservation.
(rural and urban); protection and appreciation of forests,
protected areas and biodiversity; drinking water and sanitation for Similarly, through Emergency Decree 070 of 2020 for
all; and implementation of a national policy on climate change, the economic reactivation and attention to the population through
environment and natural resource management. public investment and current spending, extraordinary
measures are proposed for economic reactivation focused on
improving educational infrastructure and basic sanitation. As
Colombia for Decree 114, some of these measures could be considered
strategic to move towards a development model that puts
The economic crisis caused by the effects of the pandemic has led nature at the center.
to a 6.8% drop in GDP growth and has left an estimated 4 million
people unemployed. Colombia resembles Ecuador and Peru in
recognizing the fundamental role the agricultural sector is having
in the crisis and the need to move forward with the formalization
of the economy.
26 WWF -Recommendations for the implementation of the Leticia Pact in a context of green, just, and resilient economic recovery 274. THE LETICIA PACT
AS AN OPPORTUNITY
FOR GREEN
RECOVERY
In view of the development of the recovery strategies men-
tioned in the previous chapter and taking into account the
importance of the conservation of the Amazon biome in the
current planetary situation, the fulfillment of the mandates
of the Leticia Pact and the implementation of its Action Plan
are a unique opportunity to strengthen the development of
coordinated actions in the Amazon that promote a green and
resilient economic recovery in line with its integrity, that of its
species and that of its inhabitant communities.
©️ Adriano Gambarini _ WWF Living Amazon Initiative
28 WWF -Recommendations for the implementation of the Leticia Pact in a context of green, just, and resilient economic recovery 294.1. General Context of the Leticia Pact It is composed of 16 mandates and its plan of action is structured in 5 axes:
1. Reforestation, conservation, sustainable use of forests and
biodiversity and promotion of the bioeconomy (integrates
mandates 1, 5, 8, 9 and 10).
2. Amazonian security (integrates mandates 2, 3 and 4).
©️ Michael Dantas - WWF - Brazil
3. Information and knowledge management and reporting
(integrates mandates 6, 7, 13 and 14).
The Leticia Pact was signed in September 2019 during the First Presidential
Summit for the Amazon. It was born as an initiative of the governments of
Colombia and Peru because of the increase in forest fires in recent years 4. Empowerment of women and Indigenous Peoples (integrates
and its effects on the biome. The presidents of Bolivia, Colombia, Peru and mandates 11 and 12).
Ecuador, the foreign minister of Brazil, the vice-president of Suriname and the
Minister of Natural Resources of Guyana participated in the Amazon Summit.
Recognizing the value of the biome for the planet, the signatory governments
ratified the need to work together to fight against the different causes of its
degradation and ensure its protection and conservation. 5. Financing and international cooperation (integrates mandates 15
and 16).
Subsequently, the II Presidential Summit for the Amazon held in August 2020
was attended by all heads of state signatories of the Pact and entities such as the
World Economic Forum and the IDB. The signatory governments and several
cooperation agencies, civil society organizations and financial institutions At the September 2020 United Nations General Assembly, most Amazonian
reaffirmed their commitment to the Pact. The IDB announced the creation governments made statements regarding their environmental commitments,
of a fund to promote and support the Pact’s Action Plan and to guarantee and some mentioned their commitment to the implementation of the Leticia
its financing. This with a seed capital of US$20 million and emphasizing Pact. Similarly, at the September 2020 Political Leaders Meeting for Nature of
the importance of financing the bioeconomy and sustainable development the Biodiversity Summit, the commitment United to reverse biodiversity loss by
in the Amazon region in integration with the Amazon Cooperation Treaty 2030 and achieve sustainable development was signed. This commitment has
Organization (ACTO). Finally, at the 2019 United Nations Climate Change been signed by the Amazon countries of Bolivia, Peru, and Colombia, among 65
Conference (COP 25), the Leticia Pact Action Plan was launched with 52 actions signatory countries.
around the 5 themes.
In recent months, the administration of U.S. President Joe Biden reaffirmed its
Some of the points agreed upon in the Pact are the strengthening of coordinated commitment to the protection of the Amazon by prioritizing 16 actions in his
action to combat deforestation, the establishment of regional information first 100 days in office. In relation to the Leticia Pact, these 16 priorities include
exchange mechanisms, the creation of the Amazon Cooperation Network for support for the Fund created by the IDB to finance the implementation of the
natural disasters, the protection and empowerment of local communities, Pact, as well as increased international funding for Amazon protection activities
and the promotion of research, technological development and knowledge in areas such as scientific research, ecosystem conservation, restoration of
management processes aimed at the conservation of the biome. degraded lands and waters, and monitoring and sustainable management of
ecosystems in collaboration with local communities (The Amazon Rainforest
Climate Platform, 2021).
30 WWF -Recommendations for the implementation of the Leticia Pact in a context of green, just, and resilient economic recovery 314.2. Implementation progress
This section will review some of the actions taken so far in relation to the
implementation of the Leticia Pact that are relevant to the current context and
that also raise possibilities for the future. It will present the progress made in three
prioritized Amazonian countries: Colombia, Peru, and Ecuador.
Colombia
At the United Nations General Assembly in September 2020, the Colombian
government reaffirmed its commitment to the Leticia Pact and assured that “it has
achieved that more than 2,800 families in the Amazon are now associated with
livestock reconversion projects and the production of non-timber elements. In
addition, more than 17,000 indigenous families are benefiting from governance and
sustainable economy projects, and 15,000 are under Payment for Environmental
Services schemes for nearly 219,000 hectares”.
In this sense, one of the Colombian Government’s goals is to carry out actions that
©️ Marizilda Cruppe - WWF - UK will allow it to comply with 60% of the mandates of the Leticia Pact by May 2022,
before the end of the current mandate. The implementation of the Amazon Vision
REDD+ Program, to which US$13 million has been allocated, is highlighted as a
key initiative for the implementation of the different pillars of the Pact. In addition,
Other priorities include actions to support the monitoring of deforestation and
progress has been made in identifying more than 335 green businesses in the
illegal activities; deforestation- and fossil fuel-free production chains; the defense
Colombian Amazon that generate around 3,000 jobs and in the planting of around
of environmental defenders in the region and the protection of the rights of
2 million trees in the region.
indigenous communities; and the enhancement of fair and sustainable livelihoods.
All of this through the financing of specific initiatives and international cooperation
actions that promote these priorities.
The European Union has funds from the European Commission department (DG
Climate) for the implementation by Amazonian governments of any aspect of the
Leticia Pact. Projects must be led by one or more governments for a period of three
to five years and will have a triangular cooperation approach.
Through the Agreement for the Response to the Covid-19 Pandemic of the
organizations of peoples and nationalities of the Amazon, COICA made in 2020 a
call to the international community; the United Nations (UN), the Organization
of American States (OAS), ACTO and all institutions working in the Amazon
to coordinate actions to expedite the response for the protection of Indigenous
Peoples and nationalities of the Amazon, with differentiated actions and taking into
account their social and cultural reality. This, by implementing knowledge dialogue
roundtables and developing a risk communication strategy.
Thus, the need for inter-institutional work at the national and international
levels is evident, since to achieve an adequate implementation of the Pact in a
context of economic recovery, the governments of Amazonian countries, as well as
international cooperation organizations and financial entities, must be involved.
For this, it is imperative to consider teamwork in favor of a systemic vision of the
biome and inter-institutional coordination at all levels. It is necessary to put focus
on any decision-making process related to nature and define who is involved and
how to work as a team (Reactivación Transformadora, 2020).
©️ WWF-Brazil - Juvenal Pereira
32 WWF -Recommendations for the implementation of the Leticia Pact in a context of green, just, and resilient economic recovery 33Perú Ecuador
The Peruvian government recognized that it is particularly vulnerable to climate In its statement at the United Nations General Assembly in September 2020, the
change. For this reason, the Framework Law on Climate Change was approved Ecuadorian government stated that: “we are committed to the conservation of the
in 2018 and the government has seen the Paris Agreement as fundamental, Amazon. We subscribe to the Leticia Declaration and the so-called Financing for
establishing roadmaps for 91 adaptation measures and 62 mitigation measures. The Sustainable Development and Bioeconomy for the Amazon Initiative. With the
conservation and sustainable use of the Amazon is another priority, including its creation of the multi-donor fund administered by the IDB, important resources will
resilience to climate change and the protection of its vast biodiversity. be allocated to conserve this lung of the planet and to improve the quality of life
of indigenous peoples. We are facing new challenges, in which the solution lies in
Progress in the implementation of the Pact’s Action Plan for the Peruvian case union and peace, not in dispute”.
is concentrated mainly in Axis I, which contains issues related to reforestation,
conservation, sustainable use of forests and biodiversity, and promotion of the
bioeconomy. In this regard, the Peruvian Ministry of Environment has been
working with the IDB to obtain resources for bio-businesses and design financial
mechanisms for NBS. Likewise, in Peru there are at least two Global Environment
Facility (GEF) projects underway in the Amazon. Despite this, it has been evident
that the effects of attention to the pandemic have considerably reduced the
resources allocated to the implementation of the Leticia Pact.
©️ Daniel Martínez - WWF Perú ©️ Luis Barreto - WWF - UK
34 WWF -Recommendations for the implementation of the Leticia Pact in a context of green, just, and resilient economic recovery 354.3. Recommendations for the implementation of the Pact’s Action Plan
within the framework of economic recovery
The following recommendations are aimed at implementing the five themes structure for the Pact that directly receives a political mandate for its
of the Action Plan of the Leticia Pact along various lines and sectors that focus implementation. In addition, it is crucial to integrate actors from the private
mainly on promoting solutions that place people and nature at the heart of and academic sectors into the implementation of the Pact to trigger research
the economic recovery process. The goal is to advance on an inclusive growth and experience sharing processes.
agenda so that countries can converge towards economies that address the
challenges neglected during the crisis, such as inequality and environmental Thirdly, it is necessary to apply inclusive governance and territorial planning
sustainability, and fulfill the Pact’s mandates. strategies with indigenous peoples and local communities to agree on ways
to implement the Pact’s Action Plan at the local level and thus achieve the
The general enabling conditions to give rise to the following recommendations objective of sustainable development. Including the needs and interests of the
are, first, that Amazonian governments see economic recovery as an opportunity communities in any public policy formulation process is not a waste of time, but
to consider nature as a central theme of their strategies, which should consider rather an efficient and effective way of making decisions that lead to concrete
regional particularities to align with global priorities. solutions with real effects in the territories.
Secondly, coordinated, and inter-institutional action at the national level Because of their clear linkt to the post-Covid-19 economic recovery, most of
(integrating the work of the foreign ministries with the ministries of economy, the recommendations are concentrated in Axis I of the Pact’s Action Plan,
finance, treasury, trade, transport, environment, agriculture, and interior which focuses on reforestation, conservation, sustainable use of forests and
or government) and at the international level, with coordination between biodiversity, and promotion of the bioeconomy.
the different governments and other institutions as key multi-donor funds
for its implementation, should be considered as a guiding principle for the
implementation of the Pact. In this sense, it is essential to define a governance
©️ Luis Barreto - WWF - UK
36 WWF -Recommendations for the implementation of the Leticia Pact in a context of green, just, and resilient economic recovery 37Necessary enabling
Recomendation Theme Relevance Opportunities Potential leaders
conditions
NBS must be an integral part of the
Promote nature-based solutions as a driver of economic Strategies that promote and finance
design of public policies and specific Signatory governments,
recovery. These should combine the conservation sustainable forest management,
and sustainable use of the biome with sustainable Nature based measures determined for regional
deforestation-free value chains and the
international cooperation,
Priority economic reactivation. private sector.
development objectives and guarantee local populations Solutions (NBS) restoration and reforestation of degraded
IDB through the Financing
and those who depend on its environmental services areas. Example: funding announced by the
Crisis responses under the NBS Fund
livelihoods that are in harmony with nature. Biden administration.
approach must be aligned to the NDCs.
Promote t bioeconomy and green jobs and businesses
as fundamental strategies for economic reactivation.
Promoting public policies and Bioeconomy Pact (Government of Ecuador)
In the Amazonian context, this implies a transition from
investment related to the empowerment
traditional production systems to proposals that are
of the bioeconomy and the growth of Intergovernmental working groups to
more aligned with the recognition of the territory and the
green businesses and green jobs. advance issues related to the promotion of
sustainable use of natural ecosystems. Some sectors IDB Financing Fund
in which the bioeconomy can be promoted are: the Bioeconomy Priority the bioeconomy (led by Peru).
Signatory governments
Articulation between the public sector
ecological production of forest products, the sustainable
and private initiatives to promote green IDB financing fund with seed capital of
use of timber and non-timber forest resources, sustainable
businesses as economic alternatives in US$20 million has highlighted the importance
tourism, the promotion of regenerative agriculture and
the Amazon. of financing the bioeconomy.
deforestation-free production chains, and investment in
non-conventional renewable energy sources.
Promoting green infrastructure is vital for the sustainable Guarantee the democratic and informed
development of the region. It is a way to boost economic participation of indigenous and local
growth because it increases assets for competitiveness. communities from the beginning of
Infrastructure development should seek to minimize energy and infrastructure projects,
GHG emissions by considering the four pillars of considering the principle of free, prior,
decarbonization (renewable energy sources, electrification, and informed consent.
public and non-motorized transportation, and the Sustainable a. Promote NBS projects / initiatives for Signatory governments,
Medium
conservation and restoration of ecosystems). In addition, it infrastructure Implementation of guidelines for infrastructure development in the region. private sector.
should seek to be resilient to the effects of climate change sustainable infrastructure to any
and natural disasters. Specifically, the development of infrastructure development in the
transportation infrastructure should consider sustainable region, in particular those related to the
infrastructure guidelines for the construction of roads development of roads.
and transportation systems in the region that are not
detrimental to biodiversity.
Promoting an energy transition to renewable energy
sources can stimulate economic recovery and job
creation. This requires promoting a balanced energy
mix with greater use of non-conventional renewable Promotion of public policies and
resources and less reliance on hydropower. Hydropower Energy transition Medium investment in renewable energy Signatory governments.
projects should maintain the ecological flows of the river sources.
basin and water uses should be based on sustainability
standards such as the Hydropower Sustainability
Assessment Protocol (HSAP).
38 WWF -Recommendations for the implementation of the Leticia Pact in a context of green, just, and resilient economic recovery 39Necessary enabling
Recomendation Theme Relevance Opportunities Potential leaders
conditions
Focus on the development of new production chains
based on solidarity and fair trade that, from the planning Promoting public policies and
stage, seek to achieve zero deforestation and forest investment that seek a transformation
degradation. Some options for this are the promotion of towards an agricultural model based on
agroforestry economies based on sustainable agricultural Agriculture, native forest products from a production
One of the points prioritized by the Biden
practices with forest species and non-timber products aquaculture, and approach integrated into the landscape
administration for the promotion of actions Signatory governments,
that provide direct local incentives to farmers and move Priority that preserves environmental services
away from the expansion of the agricultural industry and development of and integrates social development.
in the Amazon is the support of production private sector.
chains free of deforestation and fossil fuels.
large-scale livestock farming. Also invest in agricultural agroforestry systems
innovation and in silvopastoral systems and sustainable Promoting productive alternatives to
use of forest products to improve the productivity of the traditional agricultural and extensive
agricultural sector and the efficiency of practices such as livestock raising practices.
cattle ranching - both small and large-scale.-.
Promotion of integrated forest
It is a priority to exchange and implement protected area
management policies through a The conservation of protected areas
management experiences and given the current situation,
combination of conservation actions in contributes to the fulfillment of international
to guarantee the integrated management of protected area
protected areas and the recognition, commitments such as Goals 14 and 15 of the
systems that are free from the pressures generated by the
consolidation, and sustainable SDGs, the objectives of the Convention on
expansion of the agricultural frontier, illegal activities, or
management of indigenous territories. Biological Diversity, The Pledge of Sydney
unsustainable land colonization. To achieve sustainable
(2015), the Lima Declaration of the Congress
development in the region, an integrated conservation
Integration of protected areas and of Protected Areas of Latin America and the
model that combines protection, sustainable management Management of indigenous territorial management Caribbean, and the commitments acquired in REDPARQUES, signatory
and restoration should be pursued. Medium
Collaborative agreements to establish transboundary protected areas into regional development plans. the framework of REDPARQUES, including governments.
Financiamiento a los sistemas de áreas the Declaration on the Role of Protected
protected areas should also be encouraged, as well as
protegidas. Areas and Climate Change (2015).
ensuring that spatial and land-use policies and practices
Exchange of experiences in conservation
integrate protected areas and indigenous territories
Actions in this direction should integrate areas through REDPARQUES.
with other forms of land use, guaranteeing that local
a landscape logic to strengthen In Colombia, there are plans to promote
communities have access to the natural resources on
connectivity between ecosystems and the reinvestment of the carbon tax for the
which they depend and that their livelihoods are not
achieve comprehensive conservation conservation of protected areas.
indiscriminately affected.
actions.
Formulation and implementation of programs
and projects aimed at strengthening
Promote actions to protect collective territories and The implementation of the Leticia Pact indigenous territorial governance. Example:
indigenous land-use planning schemes. It is essential
to guarantee the ownership of indigenous territories that
Protection of must be carried out in coordination and The Biden administration has announced
Signatory governments,
Priority collaboration with local communities, support for issues of recognition and
have been ancestrally inhabited and where the least indigenous territories especially indigenous peoples. empowerment of local communities.
indigenous organizations
environmental degradation of the Amazon biome is evident.
Spaces for the exchange of experiences of
indigenous territorial management models.
Develop initiatives that seek to exchange and implement Regional Conference on Illicit Species
experiences in integrated fire management between Trafficking
countries. Fundamentally, they should be based on the United Kingdom funding
prevention of forest fires, the promotion of alternatives Articulated monitoring Creation of instances and working
Inter-country working groups: environmental
Emergency Operations
to the use of fire and the strengthening of technical, crime group led by Brazil.
scientific, and institutional capacities. For this reason, it of forest cover and Medium groups between countries that allow an
One of the points prioritized by the Biden
Center of the signatory
adequate flow of information. countries.
is necessary to take actions to achieve the creation and Amazon security Administration for the protection of the
financing of the Amazon Cooperation Network for natural Amazon is the commitment to initiatives to
disasters among the Emergency Operations Centers of support monitoring for deforestation and
the signatory countries. illegal activities.
40 WWF -Recommendations for the implementation of the Leticia Pact in a context of green, just, and resilient economic recovery 41You can also read
