Religious leaders are uniting to demand an active commitment to protecting the Amazon from all presidential candidates. In a letter to all politicians in the electoral process, institutions and churches insist that deforestation must be stopped.
The document was signed by religious organizations such as the Brazilian Evangelical Christian Alliance (ACEB), the Brazilian National Conference of Bishops (CNBB), the Brazilian Israel Confederation (CONIB), the Brazilian National Council of Christian Churches (CONIC). Religions for Peace Brazil, the National Islamic Union (UNI), the Brazilian Spiritist Federation (FEB), the Nangetu Afro Tradition and Social Development Institute, the Interfaith Committee of the State of Pará, the Dom Paulo Evaristo Arns Interfaith Front, among other socio-environmental formations in the country.
Under Jair Bolsonaro’s government, the Vatican’s actions to defend the Amazon caused unrest between the Planalto Palace and the Papacy. The Amazon Synod, convened by Pope Francis, even mobilized the government.
In the letter, the clergy insist that the eventual winner of the election effectively relaunch and update the Action Plan for the Prevention and Control of Deforestation in the Amazon.
The document also calls for the creation of a National Strategy for the Sustainable Development of the Amazon, which includes forest bioeconomy, education, scientific development, appreciation of traditional knowledge and cultures, and the promotion of entrepreneurship as its main axes. By the Amazon Scientific Panel and other existing initiatives.
The parties’ letter also asks candidates to make a public commitment to stop the process of destruction of the Amazon rainforest and violation of the rights of indigenous peoples, quilombolas, family farmers and local communities.
“We cannot accept the indifference to the destruction of the forest and everything it represents for us, by people who intend to rule this vast region of fundamental importance to planet Earth and all humanity,” the beings insist.
In another part of the letter, religion reinforces the urgency of dealing with human rights abuses in the region. “Contrary to those who say that deforestation is necessary to develop the region, the loss of forest seems to be accompanied by suffering, pain, misery and despair for the majority of the population,” they say.
“The destruction goes hand in hand with the rise in violence, crime and human rights abuses, particularly against indigenous peoples and local communities,” he says.
According to them, the 20 municipalities that were champions of deforestation from 2019 to 2021 are also champions of poverty, inequality and low social progress.
The document was also sent to the government candidates of the Legal Amazon states that were in the best position in the recent election polls. In the coming days, the Letter will also be sent to candidates vying for seats in the Senate and Bundestag for Amazon Legal states.
source: Noticias
