As part of the 15th Meeting of Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the Amazon Cooperation Treaty Organization (ACTO), held in Suriname, representatives from the eight member countries emphasized the urgency of strengthening a common agenda for biodiversity conservation, climate action, and the protection of Indigenous Peoples and local communities.

The meeting, attended by high-ranking regional authorities, was presided over by Suriname’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Albert Ramdin, who highlighted the need for closer cooperation among Amazonian countries to tackle the environmental and social challenges affecting the biome.

The Secretary General of ACTO, Martin von Hildebrand, emphasized the importance of consolidating this cooperation to translate commitments into concrete and coordinated actions. “We are the General Secretariat, but ACTO is the countries. It is with you that we must build the present and the future,” he stated.

He also highlighted the need to move towards a shared Amazonian vision, stressing that “this is key because it allows us to develop a common strategy to overcome poverty, reduce inequality, and promote sustainable economic alternatives.”

A Reinforced Commitment to the Amazon

The Paramaribo Declaration underscores the importance of advancing the implementation of the agreements set forth in the Belém Declaration (August 2023) and previous resolutions adopted by ACTO. In this regard, the ministers reaffirmed their commitment to intensify efforts to keep global temperature rise below 2°C and to continue promoting mitigation and climate adaptation strategies.

Additionally, the countries urged developed nations to fulfill their commitments regarding technology and financial transfers to enhance climate resilience in the Amazon region.

Protection of Indigenous Peoples and the Role of Women

A key aspect of the Declaration is the recognition of the fundamental role of Indigenous Peoples in the conservation of the Amazon. The need to ensure non-interference in their way of life, particularly for those in voluntary isolation, was reaffirmed in alignment with ILO Convention 169.

Likewise, the document highlights the leadership of Amazonian women in protecting the biome, their role in the fight against climate change, and their contributions to biodiversity. A call was made to strengthen their participation in environmental and sustainable development policies.

Combatting Deforestation and Illegal Mining

The ministers agreed to enhance regional cooperation in the fight against deforestation, illegal mining, and wildlife trafficking. The Declaration acknowledges that addressing the climate crisis and biodiversity loss requires joint actions, including capacity building and knowledge exchange among member countries.

Preparing for COP 30 in Belém

In light of the upcoming United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP 30), to be held in November 2025 in Belém, Brazil, ACTO committed to having a strong presence at the event. The Declaration mandates the Permanent Secretariat to establish an ACTO Pavilion and organize side events to showcase the Amazon region’s efforts in the global climate agenda.

The countries also expressed their support for Brazil as the COP 30 Presidency and encouraged all parties to achieve significant progress in the key pillars of the international climate regime: mitigation, adaptation, financing, technology, and capacity building.

Institutional Strengthening and Multilateral Cooperation

The Paramaribo Declaration calls for the prompt activation of ACTO’s Eight Special Commissions at the ministerial level, aiming to strengthen regional coordination and public policy articulation on key issues for the Amazon.

Furthermore, the ministers welcomed Colombia’s invitation to host the 5th Summit of Presidents of ACTO Member Countries, scheduled for August 2025.

A Firm Step Toward the Future of the Amazon

With this Declaration, ACTO member countries reinforce their commitment to sustainable development, the protection of the Amazon biome, and the well-being of its communities. The 15th Ministerial Meeting in Paramaribo marks a renewed drive for regional cooperation and sets the stage for a strong presence at COP 30.