On May 26th, the Science Panel for the Amazon held a joint virtual event with the Academy of Sciences of Ecuador on the theme of sustainable development in the Amazon. The event focused primarily on a presentation of the main conclusions and recommendations of the SPA 2021 Amazon Assessment Report, also addressing, among other things, the impacts of mining and oil exploration on biodiversity and aquatic resources and on the people who live in the Amazon basin. SPA scientists also further elaborated on possible sustainable development pathways for the Amazon.
At the event, SPA Co-chair Carlos Nobre opened the event with welcoming remarks. Keynote speaker Dr. Ángel Guevara, President of the Academy of Sciences of Ecuador then presented on “Leadership of the scientific community in promoting a research and innovation agenda in the Amazon”. Dr. Andrea Encalada then moderated a panel discussing “The impacts of mining and oil on biodiversity and culture” where Dr. Carlos Mena and Dr. Carlos Larrea presented key findings. Dr. Juan Manuel Guayasamin moderated the second panel focused on “Sustainable Solutions and the challenges to overcome” where Dr. Belén Páez and Dr. María Rosa Murmis presented key recommendations. SPA Strategic Coordinator Emma Torres made closing remarks on the importance of strong partnerships in the Amazon region between scientists and investing in science in the region.
The event was the first in a series of dialogues with Academies of Science in the region and was held in Spanish. You can view recordings and details of the full conference on the Science Panel for the Amazon youtube channel.