British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has pledged an investment of more than 100 million dollars in the Amazon Fund, aimed at protecting the world’s largest rainforest, during a meeting with Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. The UK contribution will be 80 million pounds ($102 million) and is aimed at halting deforestation and preserving the region’s biodiversity. This investment is the latest diplomatic victory for Brazil, which has been trying to get rich nations to help finance the fight to save the Amazon.
The Amazon Fund was launched in 2008, during President Lula’s second term, with a commitment of $1 billion from Norway. However, it was suspended under former president Jair Bolsonaro, who was skeptical of climate change. Lula, who won the presidential election in January, revived the fund on his first day in office and has been lobbying other world leaders to contribute in the name of saving the Amazon.
US President Joe Biden announced a USD 500 million contribution to the fund last month, although it has yet to be approved by Congress. Germany has also pledged 200 million euros to protect the rainforest, including 35 million for the Amazon Fund.
President Lula has been emphasizing the message that “Brazil is back” as a partner in the fight against climate change after deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon increased by more than 75 percent under Bolsonaro compared to the previous decade. Lula is in London for the coronation ceremony of King Charles III, along with other world leaders and royals.