On his first day of visiting Brazil, on Tuesday (March 26), President Emmanuel Macron emphasized, in the presence of President Lula, the plans of both governments to establish a binational conservation unit encompassing Brazil and French Guiana — the French overseas territory that borders the Brazilian state of Amapá.
The unit would serve as a reference center for scientific research focused on sustainable development. President Macron announced that the two countries will invest $2 billion in the project.
In a statement titled “Brazil-France Call for Climate Ambition from Paris to Belém and Beyond,” the countries expressed their joint commitment to combat deforestation, protect the Amazon, restore and sustainably manage tropical forests, and develop the bioeconomy, which includes exploring “innovative financing mechanisms.”
Upon arriving in Belém, Lula and Macron boarded a Navy boat heading to Combu Island, located on the southern bank of the Guamá River. The trip involved crossing the river and navigating through a network of igarapés, allowing the two leaders to observe the preserved Amazon rainforest. During the visit, they witnessed a demonstration of the artisanal production of cocoa and chocolate from the region.
In Combu, Chief Raoni Metuktire, a prominent leader of the Kayapó people and one of the most internationally recognized indigenous representatives, was honored by President Macron with the decoration of Knight of the French Legion of Honor.
“Dear Raoni, this moment is dedicated to you. You have visited France several times, and I promised to come here, to your forest, to stand by your side. This forest, so coveted, but defended by you for decades. Today, President Lula and I are united with one of our friends,” Macron said in a speech before presenting the medal to the indigenous chief.
Source: Agência Brasil