Last week, the Science Panel for the Amazon (SPA)’s Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) launched its "Science Across Generations" webinar series. This new series aims to engage YAC members in open, intergenerational dialogues with SPA experts on the science and key solutions available to conserve the Amazon. The series focuses on Part III of the SPA 2021 Amazon Assessment Report, with the first webinar specifically on Chapters 25 and 26 about the Living Amazon Vision and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the Amazon.

The webinar featured SPA Lead Authors, Dr. Ane Alencar, Director of Science, Amazon Environmental Research Institute (IPAM); Dr. Lilian Painter, Bolivia Country Director, Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS); and Dr. Simone Athayde, Research Integrity Lead, World Resources Institute (WRI). They were joined by four SPA YAC members, João Pedro Braga, PhD Candidate at the University College London, Felipe Storch de Oliveira, Master of Environmental Management Candidate at the Yale School of Environment; Pedro Neves de Castro, Coordinator of the Brazilian Association of Economists for Democracy (ABED), and Nohora Alejandra Quiguantar, Founder of Tejiendo Pensamiento—young leaders and scientists deeply committed to promoting sustainability and conservation in the Amazon.

Sustainable Development in the Amazon

Dr. Alencar kicked off the session with an overview of Chapter 25’s Living Amazon Vision, which aims to shift the Amazon's development model from one driven by extractive and monetary interests to a more sustainable, inclusive, and ecologically centered approach. This vision calls for a collaborative and equitable model that promotes measures to conserve, restore, and remediate terrestrial and aquatic systems; an innovative socio-bioeconomy for human-environmental well-being, standing forests, and flowing rivers; and the strengthening of Amazonian citizenship and governance.

Dr. Painter then presented an overview of Chapter 26 on the SDGs in the Amazon. She underscored the urgent need to integrate the five SDG dimensions—People, Planet, Prosperity, Peace, and Partnership—within the Amazon's context to address the region's environmental and social challenges. The region’s lack of significant progress toward achieving the SDGs was significantly exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which strained health systems and worsened inequalities. Key recommendations include developing locally relevant goals, incorporating Indigenous knowledge, safeguarding the rights of nature and local communities, and establishing a global partnership to support sustainable practices.

Inclusion of Youth, Women, and Local Scientists in Advancing SDGs

A key theme explored in the discussions was the role of local communities, especially youth and women, in driving sustainable change in the Amazon. Nohora, a community leader, shared her thoughts on the importance of weaving Indigenous and Local Knowledge with western scientific research. She emphasized the value of "apprenticeship networks" that combine academic knowledge with Indigenous systems of knowledge, particularly in areas like health and education. This, she argued, can help bridge the gap between scientific research and traditional ways of knowing, fostering an inclusive, community-driven approach to SDG achievement.

She also highlighted the importance of "intercultural health," a concept that links Indigenous medicine, such as plant-based healing, with modern medical practices. It is crucial to support local communities in their efforts to preserve and transmit the knowledge of elders, particularly concerning plant medicine and spiritual practices, which have the potential to contribute significantly to health care in the region.

Moreover, Nohora stressed the importance of political participation for women in the Amazon. She emphasized the necessity of forums that promote women's voices in decision-making processes to ensure that the voices of women and community leaders are heard in the development of inclusive policies that reflect the needs of the region.

The Role of Science in Financial Mechanisms for Conservation

The dialogue also touched on how science can help design financial mechanisms that support conservation efforts in the Amazon. Felipe and Ane shared their perspectives on Brazil’s efforts to introduce new financial flows for conservation, such as the Tropical Forest Forever Facility (TFFF), which will be launched at UNFCCC COP30 in Belém.

Felipe emphasized the need for scientific research to inform the design of financial instruments, ensuring that they align with the realities on the ground. He pointed out the importance of understanding the socio-economic dynamics of local communities, especially in regions where traditional economies are directly tied to the health of the environment. Such insights can help create financial policies that are both effective in conservation and equitable for the people who rely on the forest for their livelihoods.

Urban Areas and Conservation: Bridging the Gap

The conversation also explored why it is crucial for researchers to focus on cities in the Amazon to advance conservation efforts. According to Pedro, there is a symbiotic relationship between urban and rural areas in the region, particularly in terms of cultural exchange and economic flows. Amazonian cities serve as centers for governance and consumption of resources, many of which are extracted from the surrounding forests.

However, the urban-rural divide poses challenges. The rapid migration of rural populations to cities, in search of better economic opportunities, has resulted in urban areas struggling to provide basic services such as education, healthcare, and housing. At the same time, the urbanization of Amazonian youth means a decline in the connection between the people and the forest they once relied on for survival.

Pedro called for more integrated approaches to conservation that consider both urban and rural dynamics. Research on how urban areas interact with the rural landscape could provide valuable insights into how to balance economic development with the conservation of the Amazon’s biodiversity.

The Importance of Indigenous and Local Knowledge and Scientific Collaboration

Throughout the webinar, the importance of combining Indigenous and local knowledge with scientific research was highlighted as a cornerstone for advancing conservation and sustainable development in the Amazon. Experts stressed the need for a collaborative approach that respects Indigenous and local knowledge, while leveraging the power of modern science. This synergy is essential for creating policies and financial mechanisms that are both scientifically sound and culturally relevant.

Dr. Athayde discussed how language and cultural diversity are crucial elements in this process. She emphasized that recognizing and respecting local languages and traditions is essential for the successful implementation of sustainable development strategies. Indigenous peoples and local communities are not just passive recipients of conservation efforts; they are active participants who bring valuable insights and practices to the table.

A Collective Effort for the Future of the Amazon

These discussions are a powerful reminder that the future of the Amazon depends on a collective, inclusive approach. From empowering women and youth to integrating Indigenous and local knowledge with scientific research, all hands must be on deck to achieve the Living Amazon Vision and SDGs in the Amazon. Furthermore, innovative financial mechanisms, informed by both science and local knowledge, are crucial to ensure the long-term conservation of the region's invaluable resources.

As the world faces the challenges of climate change and environmental degradation, the lessons from the first “Science Across Generations” dialogue provide a roadmap for creating sustainable futures that benefit both people and the planet. This event was just the beginning of an exciting series that aims to foster collaboration and innovation in the Amazon. The YAC will continue to play a pivotal role in bridging the gap between science, policy, and the next generation of leaders committed to safeguarding the Amazon for future generations.

Watch the webinar recording:

English: https://youtu.be/Trb1k2XYam0
Portuguese: https://youtu.be/wXnJi5RUDkA
Spanish: https://youtu.be/tQxU_qbolWo

The SPA’s Youth Advisory Committee (YAC), launched in September 2024, was established by the SPA to mobilize the next generation of scientists in the Amazon region and ensure the SPA’s work reaches a broader audience. The Committee amplifies the voices and experiences of young people, leveraging their expertise, energy, and ideas to promote the conservation of the Amazon and advance the SPA’s scientific and policy-relevant recommendations. The YAC plays a crucial role in integrating youth perspectives and innovation into the SPA’s activities, contributing to the promotion of the SPA and its outputs among young people globally, and fostering collaboration between the SPA and youth organizations.

Science Across Generations: A Dialogue Series - Sustainable Development in the Amazon