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Scoop
a day ago
- Science
- Scoop
Deforestation Rates In Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador & Suriname Are As Much As 55% Lower Than The Norm
First-of-its-kind study shows Afro-descendant peoples are key environmental stewards; 56% of their lands are top 5% in global biodiversity. ARLINGTON, Va. (July 22, 2025) – Afro-descendant peoples in four Amazon countries show remarkable achievements in environmental stewardship, according to new research from Conservation International, published today in Nature Communications Earth and Environment. The study assessed Afro-descendant lands in Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador and Suriname, finding significantly lower rates of deforestation and larger quantities of both biodiversity and irrecoverable carbon (the carbon that, if lost due to ecosystem conversion, could not be re-sequestered for at least 30 years). The paper is the first peer-reviewed study to combine statistical, spatial and historical data together to quantify the critical role of Afro-descendants in protecting nature. It follows last year's formal recognition by the Convention on Biological Diversity at the United Nations Biodiversity Conference (COP16) of the vital role Afro-descendant peoples play in biodiversity and supporting global conservation goals – and comes as Brazil prepares to host the UN Climate Summit (COP30) later this year, bringing global attention to the Americas' role in tackling climate change. 'Afro-descendant peoples across the Americas have long served as environmental stewards without recognition or reward—most of their territories are not even formally recognized,' said Martha Cecilia Rosero Peña, Ph.D., Social Inclusion Director at Conservation International. 'The evidence, however, is indisputable; the world has much to learn from their land management practices.' Key Findings The study focused specifically on recognized Afro-descendant lands in Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador and Suriname. Afro-descendant peoples in these countries hold management rights on 9.9 million ha of land (1% of the total 1 billion ha land area for the four study countries). Afro-descendant lands significantly exceeded the norm for these countries in three prominent indicators of conservation value: Deforestation rates for Afro-descendant lands were… 29% lower when the lands were within Protected Areas 36% lower when the lands were outside Protected Areas 55% lower when the lands sat at the edge of a Protected Area More than half (57%) of Afro-descendant lands are among the top 5% globally in biodiversity, including 99% of all Afro-descendant lands in Ecuador These lands contain high densities of irrecoverable carbon – over 486 million tonnes of it collectively – and its continued protection under Afro-descendant community management is essential to preventing the worst effects of climate change The study's findings highlight a critical gap. While nearly one in four people in Latin America identify as Afro-descendant, Afro-descendant peoples are largely underrepresented in global environmental forums, including UN climate and biodiversity summits, where policies, funding and leadership decisions are shaped. 'For centuries, Afro-descendant communities have managed landscapes in ways that sustain both people and nature, yet their contributions remain largely invisible in mainstream conservation,' said Sushma Shretha, Ph.D., director of Indigenous Science, Research, and Knowledge at Conservation International and the lead author of the paper. 'This research makes clear that their environmental stewardship is not just historical. It is ongoing and it must be recognized, supported and learned from.' Hugo Jabini, a human rights and environmental Maroon leader from Suriname's Saamaka Afro-Descendant Tribe, said: 'This study is very important to us, Saamaka people, as it highlights for the first time how, through our deep cultural and spiritual connection to the land, we have sustained vital forest areas. We hope this raises awareness, so that [political leaders] no longer see us as mere claimants of land.' ''Participation in international forums like COP30 can significantly enhance the visibility, representation and influence of Afro-descendant leadership in global environmental policy, contributing to more equitable and environmental governance,' added Jabini. Conservation Legacy Afro-descendant peoples – and the sustainable land management practices they use today – trace their practices to the ingenuity and experience of their ancestors who were forcibly taken from Africa through the transatlantic slave trade. Some escaped before being enslaved, while others fled slavery and established their own settlements in remote regions throughout the Americas. In dense forests, marshlands and mangroves, they found refuge and, over generations, developed "escape agriculture" – innovative practices that sustained communities while remaining hidden from colonial forces. 'It is important to note that those who remained on plantations also undertook these innovative practices, providing food for settlements,' said Rosero. Many of these practices, such as "food forests," blended traditional African knowledge to new environments and established resilient ecosystems that sustained these communities and became critical strongholds for biodiversity and carbon storage. The study calls for action items similar to those still needed for Indigenous Peoples and local communities, whose environmental stewardship and land rights are similarly underrecognized despite a large body of scientific evidence: Legal recognition of Afro-descendant territories to ensure their continued protection; Increased research and funding to support Afro-descendants and their conservation work; and Integration of sustainable land management practices used by Afro-descendant peoples into global climate and biodiversity policies. 'Afro-descendant communities protect critical ecosystems. This pioneering study quantifies their impact and shows that justice, secure land tenure, and biodiversity gains align. Global negotiations that seek real impact must place Afro-descendant leadership at the center, and the Permanent Forum stands behind them to secure that seat,' said Amb. Martin Kimani, Chair of the U.N. Permanent Forum on People of African Descent. "Collective land titling for Afro-descendant communities is a proven effective mechanism for environmental conservation, contributing significantly to the preservation of strategic ecosystems across Latin America and the Caribbean,' said Angélica Mayolo, former minister of culture for Colombia and an MLK Scholar with MIT's Environmental Solutions Initiative, who hails from the Afro-descendant hub of Buenaventura, Colombia. 'To build on this success, it is essential to advance the formal recognition of property rights in countries where this has not yet been achieved, such as Panamá, Costa Rica and Dominican Republic. Equally important is the development of innovative financing instruments and economic opportunities for Afro-descendant communities living in biodiverse regions under substantial socioeconomic pressure and vulnerable to climate-related risks.' said Mayolo. From Recognition to Action: Conservation International's Work with Afro-Descendant Communities Conservation International is working alongside Afro-descendant peoples to elevate their leadership in conservation and climate action. Through research and data collection, community engagement initiatives such as the Afro Women Fellowship Program and advocacy efforts on the global stage, the organization is helping to secure recognition, funding and policy support for Afro-descendant land stewardship and ensure these communities have a platform to shape conservation strategies that affect their lands and livelihoods. 'Afro-descendants have been protecting biodiversity and managing ecosystems for centuries using sophisticated conservation practices that the world is only beginning to understand," added Rosero. "Their leadership is not just about preserving the past, it's about shaping the future of climate and conservation policy. By working alongside these Afro-descendant peoples, we are strengthening nature-based solutions that benefit both people and the planet.' The research was conducted by Conservation International (including its field teams in Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana and Suriname) and in collaboration with MIT's Environmental Solutions Initiative, the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, the University of Florida and New York University.
The Sun
30-06-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Eco Forum Global Guiyang 2025 to drive green transformation
GUIYANG: The Guizhou Provincial Government has confirmed that the Eco Forum Global Guiyang 2025 will take place from July 5 to 6 in Guiyang, China. The event, approved by the State Council, will centre on 'Harmonious Coexistence between Humans and Nature – Discussing Global Development and Green Transformation.' Organised by the People's Government of Guizhou Province, the forum is expected to welcome around 800 delegates. As China's only national and international platform dedicated to eco-civilisation, the event has gained global recognition over its 12 previous editions. This year's forum aims to foster dialogue, partnerships, and actionable solutions in sustainable development and ecological governance. The agenda includes an opening ceremony, thematic forums, off-site visits, green investment promotions, and showcases of new environmental technologies. A key highlight is the expanded role of international organisations, marking the first major collaboration since 2018. Out of 20 thematic forums, 11 will involve international participation, with four independently hosted by global entities. The forum aligns with major climate initiatives, addressing themes from COP16 and COP29. It will emphasise climate change mitigation, biodiversity conservation, and practical cooperation. China plans to share its eco-civilisation and green transformation experiences, particularly with Global South nations, to strengthen sustainable development ties. The event also aims to tackle three critical environmental challenges through collective action. Guizhou is positioning itself as a hub for green innovation, seeking to attract investment and drive high-quality development.
Barnama
30-06-2025
- Business
- Barnama
Eco Forum Global Guiyang 2025 To Focus On Green Transformation
KUALA LUMPUR, June 30 (Bernama) -- The Guizhou Provincial Government has announced that the Eco Forum Global Guiyang 2025 will be convened from July 5 to 6 in the provincial capital of Guiyang, following approval by the State Council of China. Hosted by the People's Government of Guizhou Province, the two-day event will carry the theme "Harmonious Coexistence between Humans and Nature – Discussing Global Development and Green Transformation" and is expected to draw approximately 800 delegates, according to a statement. As China's sole national and international forum focused on the theme of eco-civilisation, the Eco Forum Global Guiyang has steadily built its profile over the course of 12 previous editions, earning growing attention on the global stage. Organisers aim to position this year's iteration as a dynamic platform for dialogue, partnership, and actionable outcomes, particularly in the realm of sustainable development and ecological governance. Preparations for the forum are reportedly progressing in an orderly fashion, with a rich programme of activities scheduled, including the opening ceremony, thematic forums, off-site visits, promotional displays, green investment promotion, and the debut of new environmental protection products and technologies. Notably, this year marks a significant step forward in international collaboration. For the first time since 2018, international organisations will play a substantive role in shaping the forum's agenda. Of the 20 planned thematic forums, 11 will feature participation by international entities, with four forums to be independently hosted by these organisations. The forum also serves as an extension of China's engagement with major multilateral climate processes. It is expected to respond to key themes arising from global environmental conferences such as COP16 and COP29, with a focus on practical cooperation in areas including climate change mitigation and biodiversity conservation. A core objective of the 2025 edition is to share China's experience in eco-civilisation and green transformation, particularly with developing nations across the Global South, reinforcing cooperation in sustainable development. The forum also seeks to catalyse global efforts to address what it identifies as the three pressing environmental challenges. Through this initiative, Guizhou is positioning itself as a hub for international green collaboration and innovation, seeking to 'pool wisdom' and 'attract investment', empowering new quality productivity and high-quality development.
Muscat Daily
17-06-2025
- General
- Muscat Daily
Oman marks global desertification day with push for greener future
Muscat – Oman, represented by the Environment Authority (EA), joined the global community in observing the World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought, marked annually on June 17. This year's theme, 'Restore the land. Unlock the opportunities', underscores the vital link between healthy ecosystems and sustainable development. Oman's participation reflects its continued commitment to international efforts aimed at raising awareness about the pressing challenges of desertification and drought. It also reinforces national priorities focused on encouraging sustainable environmental practices, supporting conservation policies, and enhancing global cooperation to protect natural resources. The observance highlights the role of ecosystem restoration in strengthening food and water security, generating employment, enabling climate adaptation, and building resilient, green economies. As part of its broader environmental strategy, the Environment Authority is leading several key initiatives and projects designed to promote sustainability, expand green spaces, and conserve biodiversity across the country. Among the most notable is the national initiative for planting 10mn trees, launched in January 2020, which aims to restore degraded lands and combat desertification through large-scale afforestation. Another major effort is the National Tree Cover Survey Project, which utilises remote sensing, geographic information systems (GIS), and artificial intelligence to establish a comprehensive, accurate database of tree coverage across the sultanate. Oman is also advancing mangrove reforestation projects, in collaboration with the Japan International Cooperation Agency. This ambitious initiative targets the planting of one million mangrove seedlings to enhance marine biodiversity, increase carbon absorption, and promote ecotourism. Mangrove forests currently span over 1,030 hectares along Oman's coastlines. Additionally, the authority regularly updates the National Plan to Combat Desertification every ten years, in cooperation with the Arab Organization for Agricultural Development. Oman also actively engages in international forums, including the upcoming Conference of the Parties (COP16) to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification, where it shares its national experiences and awareness campaigns.
Telegraph
17-06-2025
- Business
- Telegraph
Labour climate envoy racks up 76,000 air miles in eight months
Ms Kyte racked up expenses for 16 journeys since October, flying business class on 12 occasions and economy class on 11. Richard Tice, deputy leader of Reform UK, said: 'The climate envoy is more like a travel writer travelling around the world to exotic locations.' It comes after David Lammy, the Foreign Secretary, was embroiled in a hypocrisy row after his air travel bill rose to £1.2m between October and December last year. In January, Ms Kyte travelled on a return business class flight from London to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, to 'unlock private sector investment in renewable energy' through her attendance at the Africa Energy Summit, at a cost of £6,040 to taxpayers. A one-way business class flight that took Ms Kyte from Boston in the US to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to attend the COP16 conference in December cost £5,436. Another one-way business class flight took Ms Kyte from Washington DC to London in April, costing £5,129. A further journey saw Ms Kyte fly business class from London to Hanoi, Vietnam, last month, returning via Jakarta, Indonesia, on tickets that cost £4,559. On the trip she visited Singapore using economy class flights, which together cost £578. In Singapore she spoke at climate events including Ecosperity Week and the GenZero Climate Summit and met with government representatives to 'deepen collaboration on areas such as energy connectivity and carbon markets'. Other destinations on Ms Kyte's itinerary since becoming climate envoy include Cape Town and Johannesburg in South Africa, Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates, Baku in Azerbaijan, New Dheli and Rome. A Foreign Office spokesman said: 'The Special Representative for Climate was appointed specifically to support ministers in driving action on this government's strategic priorities on international climate action and energy policy. Her international diplomacy has supported efforts to unlock more private finance to tackle the climate crisis and taken forward our mission to be a clean energy superpower. All travel has complied with internal travel policies. 'All FCDO travel is undertaken using the most efficient and cost-effective travel arrangements. Travel plans are decided with consideration of the best use of time and in the interests of the taxpayer.'
