Amazon rainforest countries discuss water management

Representatives of the eight countries that share the Amazon rainforest met Friday (Mar. 21) to discuss the importance of water resources for the region. The event was held by the Amazon Cooperation Treaty Organization (ACTO), made up by Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Peru, Suriname and Venezuela.

The meeting took place in Brasília to mark World Water Day (March 22). ACTO's Secretary General, Robby Ramlakhan, highlighted the main themes of the water conservation projects carried out by the Amazonian countries. Ramlakhan, who represents Suriname in the organization, expressed concern over the impact of climate change on the region.

“In 2006, I remember well, climate change led to an unprecedented event in Suriname. For the first time ever, there were floods in Suriname, whereas the tributaries of the Amazon River dried out. This clearly shows how the effects of climate change are impacting the Amazon region”, said Ramlakhan.

Humberto Cardoso, advisor to the Board at Brazil's National Water Agency (ANA), addressed topics from the National Policy for Water Resources and urged joint efforts by all Amazon countries toward water management. Brazil's proposal is to form a network with experts from the countries that share the rainforest.

He recalled that in 2012, ACTO introduced a technical cooperation agreement focused on bolstering water management policies in the Amazon nations with US$ 860,000 in funds. According to the Brazilian representative, the aim is to “reduce technical gaps between water resources management authorities in the region, by providing training and technical meetings.”

ACTO coordinates the actions outlined in the Amazon Cooperation Treaty, with its main objectives of supporting efforts aimed at preservation, protection, conservation and sustainable use of the Amazon's rainforest, biodiversity, and water resources.

Around 20% of the world's fresh water is in the Amazon Basin, the greatest fresh water basin and tropical forest in the world, with an extent of almost 7,000 kilometers and more than a thousand affluents.

Translated by Augusto Queiroz / Mayra Borges