ACTO: Amazon Cooperation Treaty Organization

ACTO, the Amazon Cooperation Treaty Organization, is an international entity established to safeguard the Amazon basin and promote its sustainable development through collaborative efforts among its member countries.

Formation and Founding Treaty:

• ACTO's roots trace back to the signing of the Amazon Cooperation Treaty on July 3, 1978. This treaty was crafted and signed by eight countries: Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Peru, Suriname, and Venezuela. 

• The treaty laid the foundation for future cooperation and shared objectives among these nations.

Evolution into ACTO:

• Building upon the commitments outlined in the Amazon Cooperation Treaty, the member countries took a significant step in 1995 by formalising their dedication through the creation of the Amazon Cooperation Treaty Organization (ACTO). 

• This institution was established to actively pursue and implement the goals set forth in the original treaty, indicating a stronger dedication to regional collaboration and sustainable development.

Member Countries:

The Amazon Cooperation Treaty Organization consists of the following eight member countries: Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Peru, Suriname, and Venezuela.

Objectives and Purpose:

ACTO was founded with a primary focus on two core dimensions: 

• the preservation of the Amazon basin and 

• the regulation of Amazonian development through international cooperation. 

It operates as the sole socio-environmental block in Latin America, reflecting the collective commitment of its member countries toward these shared goals.

Multilingual Platform:

• ACTO operates effectively across linguistic boundaries, utilizing four official languages: Dutch, English, Portuguese, and Spanish. 

• This linguistic diversity enhances communication and collaboration among member nations, facilitating the exchange of ideas and expertise.

Operational Dimensions:

The organisation functions through various dimensions, each contributing to the implementation of the Amazon Cooperation Treaty's objectives:

• Political-Diplomatic: ACTO engages in political and diplomatic endeavors to foster cooperation and coordination among its member countries. This includes diplomatic initiatives aimed at addressing environmental, economic, and social challenges in the Amazon basin.

• Strategic: The organization employs strategic approaches to advance its goals. By devising and implementing long-term plans, ACTO enhances its effectiveness in preserving the Amazon's natural resources and promoting sustainable development.

• Technical Collaboration: ACTO builds synergies among governments by facilitating technical collaboration. This involves sharing expertise, knowledge, and best practices to address the complex challenges of the Amazon basin while ensuring its preservation.

Activities and Coordination:

• The Directorate of the Permanent Secretariat oversees the coordination and execution of activities in close consultation with the member countries. 

• Projects are planned and executed in collaboration with these countries, ensuring that their input and perspectives are integrated into the organisation's initiatives.

Amazon Cooperation Treaty Organization (ACTO) Meeting in Belem do Para: "Belem Declaration" for Rainforest Conservation

Key Highlights:

• Regional Collaboration for Amazon Rainforest: On August 9, executive leaders and Ministers from Bolivia, Colombia, Peru, Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname, and French Guiana, gathered in Belem do Para, Brazil, as part of the Amazon Cooperation Treaty Organization (ACTO). They collectively issued the "Belem Declaration" to address the urgent need for protecting the immense Amazon rainforest, a vital shared resource across these nations.

• Conserving Biodiversity and Natural Resources: The declaration underscores the significance of conserving the Amazon's biodiversity and natural resources. The leaders acknowledged the integral role the rainforest plays in their respective countries and agreed to collaborate to ensure its survival.

• Debt-for-Climate Action and International Support: The declaration advances the concept of debt-for-climate action, aiming to secure funding from developed nations. This financial support would aid in comprehensive efforts to combat deforestation caused by illegal activities like mining and logging. The call for assistance from developed countries reflects a shared responsibility towards global environmental preservation.

• Combatting Deforestation and Fire Management: The leaders committed to coordinated actions to combat deforestation, particularly stemming from activities like illegal mining and logging. The declaration emphasised integrated fire management strategies to curb the devastating impact of forest fires.

• Indigenous Rights Protection: Recognising the vital link between Indigenous communities and the rainforest ecosystem, the leaders pledged to enforce legal measures that safeguard the rights of Indigenous peoples. This step is crucial for both cultural preservation and sustainable environmental practices.

• Green Coalition and Development Banks: The declaration calls for collaboration with development banks in the region. These institutions would pool resources to establish a green coalition, dedicated to conserving the rainforest while generating employment and income opportunities for communities reliant on the Amazon's economy.

Challenges and Ongoing Commitments:

• Absence of Clear Deforestation Goals: While the Belem Declaration signifies a significant step towards cooperation, it falls short of setting explicit deforestation reduction targets. Colombia's proposal to protect 80% of the forest or achieve zero deforestation by 2030 highlights the divergence in ambitions among ACTO member nations.

• Balancing Economic Priorities: The leaders' reluctance to commit to stringent deforestation goals highlights the complex challenge of shifting away from extractive industry-driven economies. Many of these nations heavily rely on industries that impact the rainforest, making a complete transition challenging.

In summary, the "Belem Declaration" emerged as a collaborative effort among Amazon Cooperation Treaty Organization (ACTO) member countries to address Amazon rainforest conservation. While it lacks specific deforestation targets, it underscores the importance of cooperation, financial assistance, and Indigenous rights protection in ensuring the rainforest's survival. The delicate balance between economic interests and environmental responsibility remains a challenge for these nations.

Amazon Rainforests: Overview

• Location: The Amazon Rainforests are extensive tropical rainforests situated in the drainage basin of the Amazon River and its tributaries in northern South America.

• Size: These rainforests cover an expansive area of about 6,000,000 square kilometers.

• Tropical Forests: The Amazon Rainforests fall within the category of tropical forests, which are defined by their location within approximately 28 degrees north or south of the equator.

• Climate: These regions experience a very high amount of rainfall, receiving more than 200 centimeters of rain annually. This precipitation can occur either consistently throughout the year or during specific seasons.

• Temperature: The temperatures in the Amazon Rainforests remain consistently high, ranging between 20°C and 35°C.

• Global Distribution: Similar types of tropical rainforests can be found in various continents including Asia, Australia, Africa, Central and South America, Mexico, and several Pacific Islands.

• Brazil's Share: A significant portion, approximately 40%, of Brazil's total land area is covered by the Amazon Rainforests.

• Geographical Boundaries: The Amazon Rainforests are bounded by distinct geographical features, including the Guiana Highlands to the north, the Andes Mountains to the west, the Brazilian central plateau to the south, and the Atlantic Ocean to the east.