Joint Declaration Drafted at ACTO Summit in Bogotá Amid Security Concerns
During the 5th Summit of the Amazon Cooperation Treaty Organization (ACTO) held in Bogotá on August 22, 2025, representatives from eight countries gathered alongside Indigenous leaders to work on a joint declaration ahead of COP30 in Brazil, reports 24brussels.
The summit featured significant attendance, including Colombian President Gustavo Petro, Brazilian President Lula da Silva, and Bolivian President Luis Arce. This high-level meeting took place at the Casa de Nariño, the official residence of the Colombian presidency, where leaders engaged with Indigenous representatives and members of civil society.
Reflecting on recent violence, the summit began with a moment of silence for the 20 individuals killed in Thursday’s attacks on a police helicopter and an air base in Cali. This tragic backdrop emphasized the urgent security issues impacting the region.
Following the tribute, Indigenous leader Paulina Romero addressed the attendees in her native tongue, emphasizing the critical role that Indigenous peoples play as stewards of the Amazon rainforest. Oswaldo Muca, coordinator of the Organization of Indigenous Peoples of the Colombian Amazon (OPIAC), stressed the necessity of environmental preservation for future generations, stating, “We need to save life to give our children and grandchildren a better future.”
The primary objective of the ACTO summit is to achieve consensus on a comprehensive declaration aimed at the protection of the Amazon, which will be presented at the upcoming UN COP30 from November 10–21 in Belém, Brazil. The Colombian government has highlighted a commitment to transform words into actionable policies addressing pressing issues such as deforestation, climate change, illegal mining, and the security of border communities.
Additional participants at the Bogotá summit included ACTO Secretary Martin von Hildebrand and foreign ministers from various member states, including Elmer Schialer (Peru), Melvin Bouva (Suriname), Celinda Sosa (Bolivia), and Yvan Gil (Venezuela).
Established in 1978, the Amazon Cooperation Treaty Organization comprises Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Peru, Suriname, and Venezuela, aiming to enhance cooperation for sustainable development and environmental protection throughout the Amazon basin.
