BOGOTA, COLOMBIA – June 2, 2016 – The Government of Colombia, in partnership with local stakeholders, international organizations and donors, today launched the Amazon Vision Program to achieve zero net deforestation in the Colombian Amazon by 2020.
The Colombian Amazon covers an area of 45.8 million hectares and is critical in regulating the global climate. This region is home to diverse ecosystems and hundreds of indigenous communities. Despite covering 40% of Colombia, the region contributes only 1% to the national GDP and maintains high rates of poverty.
The Amazon Vision is a comprehensive strategy promoting a new model of development in the Amazon region that builds peace, creates sustainable economic opportunities, and improves the living conditions of local populations, while maintaining the environmental services from ecosystems and biodiversity. The Program aims to address deforestation by establishing appropriate incentives for communities and sectors to protect and sustainably use the Amazon, and improve Colombia’s governance and capacity to manage forests sustainably.
“We strongly believe that reducing deforestation and restoring degraded lands, through support for environmentally sustainable productive alternatives for farmers in rural areas is key to ensuring a stable and lasting peace,” said Pablo Vieira Samper, Vice-Minister of Environment and Sustainable Development.
The Program was launched by The Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development, together with the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, the National Planning Department, National Parks of Colombia, the Amazon Institute of Scientific Studies SINCHI, the Institute of Environmental Studies and Meteorological -IDEAM and regional and local partners.
The governments of Germany, the United Kingdom and Norway are supporting the delivery of the Amazon Vision Program as part of the REDD Early Movers program (REM) that is implemented through the German Development Bank (KfW) and with support from the German Technical Cooperation (GIZ). Under the REM program, a first installment of USD 6
million will be paid to the Government of Colombia, with additional payments of up to USD 100 million to be made based upon achievement of deforestation reduction results.
The Amazon Vision Program has been supported by the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) since its inception. GGGI provided technical assistance to conceptualize the Program, and to develop the key elements of the agreement with donors under the REM program. GGGI will continue to work with government partners and local stakeholders to implement the Amazon Vision Program, and will facilitate efforts to promote dialogue and participation of indigenous peoples in the region.
“GGGI is honored to have contributed to the roll-out of the Amazon Vision Program, which is the culmination of Colombia’s dedication to seek sustainable solutions to development challenges, and commitment to work with partners that share its green growth vision,” said Carolina Jaramillo, GGGI’s Colombia Country Representative.
Successful delivery of the Amazon will help preserve forests, maintain climate regulation, and prevent the emission of millions of tons of carbon into the atmosphere.
About GGGI
Based in Seoul, GGGI is an intergovernmental organization founded to support and promote green growth. The organization partners with countries to help them build economies that grow strongly, are more efficient and sustainable in the use of natural resources, less carbon intensive, and more resilient to climate change. GGGI works with countries around the world, building their capacity and working collaboratively on green growth policies that can impact the lives of millions. To learn more about GGGI, see https://gggi.org and visit us on Facebook and Twitter.