Meio Ambiente

Rafael Imolene Fontana

During a ministerial meeting at the 10th Conference of the Parties on Biological Diversity (COP 10) held in Nagoya, Japan, on Tuesday (October 26), Brazil's Environment minister, Izabella Teixeira, said it is important for the countries to organize themselves voluntary to tackle the urgent challenge of reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation. The statement was part of the speech delivered by Ms. Teixeira during the ministerial meeting on REDD+ (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Degradation).

The Brazilian minister stressed that the actions of funding for REED+ should be seen as an example of multilateralism and collective commitment, able to positively influence the negotiations at the Conference on Climate Change (to be held in Cancun from November 29 to December 10). "This Partnership gives us the capacity to streamline the UNFCCC decisions regarding REDD+ as well as to prepare developing countries for implementing REDD+ strategies accordingly to the progress of the UNFCCC negotiations", she said. "The common efforts of donor and recipient countries can allow us to more effectively achieve the REDD+ goals."

According to the minister, the results can already be identified only five months after the launch of the REDD+ Partnership. "The data available shows us that pledges to both multilateral and bilateral REDD+ initiatives were increased since May. Countries that were not providing funds to international cooperation on forests in the recent years have made new pledges. Some other countries are increasing their funds to forest programs are channeling funds specifically for REDD+", Ms. Teixeira said.

Practical steps - At different times of the speech, Izabella Teixeira highlighted the need to make decisions and act immediately. "We are here to deal with the urgency of reducing deforestation and forest degradation and curbing one of the most important sources of carbon emissions in developing countries", she said. "Brazil believes we should focus on concrete action rather than on politics. Our forests need immediate action."

In conclusion, the minister stressed the importance of respecting people and the sovereignty of nations. "We are here to work with donor countries and stakeholders to ensure that full financial and technical support for developing countries to meet their goals will be made available. We are here to work together on REDD+ strategies that are environmental consistent and that do promote benefits to biodiversity while respecting the rights of indigenous peoples and local communities. Brazil does believe we can make it together with transparency, inclusiveness and respect to countries' sovereignty."