Brazil and France have announced a plan to invest 1 billion euros over the next four years in the Amazon rainforest, including areas in neighboring French Guiana. The collaboration will involve state-run Brazilian banks and France’s investment agency, with the possibility of private resources also being welcomed. This initiative comes as French President Emmanuel Macron and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva meet to strengthen their relationship and address issues related to the protection of the rainforest and boosting trade.
Macron’s visit to Brazil began in the Amazon city of Belem, where he met with Lula and later traveled to the Combu island to meet with Indigenous leaders. The visit was marked by a protest from Greenpeace Brazil, with banners opposing oil drilling in the Amazon region near Para state, where Belem is located. Lula emphasized the importance of global efforts to protect the rainforest and called on those who have already deforested to contribute to the preservation of forests in other countries.
The potential European trade deal with the South American bloc Mercosur was not on the agenda for Macron’s visit, as the French president has raised concerns about environmental and health standards in South America. Macron’s office stated that the focus of the visit was on strengthening cooperation to fight climate change and poverty. Macron decorated Indigenous leader Raoni Metuktire with the Legion of Honor medal for his efforts in conserving the rainforest, highlighting the common cause shared by France and Brazil in protecting Indigenous territories.
The collaboration between Macron and Lula aims to address both climate change and poverty, with Brazil set to host the summit of the Group of 20 leading economies in Rio de Janeiro in November and the UN climate talks in Belem next year. The two leaders will seek to set a common course for these initiatives and work together to protect the environment and promote sustainable development. Macron’s visit also includes the launch of a diesel-powered submarine built in Brazil with French technology and meetings with Brazilian investors in Sao Paulo and Brasilia.
The investment in the Amazon rainforest reflects a commitment from both Brazil and France to address environmental challenges and promote sustainable growth. The collaboration between the two countries signals a renewed focus on protecting the rainforest and addressing issues related to climate change. Macron’s visit to Brazil underscores the importance of international cooperation in addressing global issues and highlights the significance of preserving the Amazon for future generations. The joint efforts between Brazil and France showcase a shared commitment to environmental conservation and sustainable development.
