Amazon Regional Environment Program
To reduce threats to the Amazon’s forests, waters, and peoples, USAID’s Amazon Regional Environment Program (AREP) implements activities across Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Peru, and Suriname. AREP works to foster a healthy biome that is valued by society, ensures human well-being, and contributes to global climate stability through a coordinated regional approach that:
- Supports improved representation of Indigenous Peoples in the governance and conservation of Amazon forests and waters, and efforts to promote their rights, livelihoods, and resources.
- Addresses priority drivers and threats to the Amazon biome by developing strategic approaches to conserve Amazon terrestrial and aquatic biodiversity and reduce land-based greenhouse gas emissions.
- Uses science to monitor, improve decision making, and address the effects of global climate change on Amazon forests and waters.
- Promotes information sharing and communications among internal and external audiences to build regional knowledge and awareness about the importance of Amazon forests and waters and inform strategic approaches for conservation and sustainability.
A growing number of activities operate under the AREP umbrella to promote sustainable natural forest management; strengthen local, national, and cross-border governance to support conservation and sustainable development; combat conservation crimes; and generate scientific evidence to address environmental challenges.
AREP Activities
- Amazon Indigenous Rights and Resources (AIRR)
- Amazonia Connect
- Business Case for Collective Landscape Action
- For Fisheries
- Innovating Solutions for Gold Mining in the Amazon
- Partnership for Sustainably Managed Fisheries
- Regional Cooperation to Address Environmental Crimes (ECOS)
- The Regional Fire Program
- SERVIR-Amazonia
- Strengthening the Capacity of Indigenous Organizations in the Amazon (SCIOA)
- Together for Conservation
Social Media
Features
Amazon Vision
The Amazon Vision 2021 Report provides insight into USAID’s progress and achievements in biodiversity and sustainable landscape initiatives through the lens of the Amazon Vision. USAID’s Amazon Vision unifies the Agency’s goals to combat deforestation, conserve biodiversity, create environmentally friendly economic opportunities, improve the management of important landscapes, and support Indigenous rights in the region.
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Climate Change Videos
AREP is helping build awareness of USAID’s work on environmental issues facing the Amazon through the development of a visual glossary—a collection of short videos that presents technical climate change concepts in easy-to-understand language. Targeted to a range of audiences, the videos are available in English, Spanish, Portuguese, and (in some cases) five Indigenous languages.
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The AREP News
This quarterly newsletter connects readers to USAID’s work with partners throughout the Amazon to protect the environment. Each issue is produced in three languages: English, Spanish, and Portuguese and features regional clips, news from the field, and an overview of AREP’s recent collaborations with Indigenous Peoples. Subscribe to the newsletter.
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Erika's Journey
The School of Indigenous Governance and Amazon Development (EGIDA) teaches future leaders of the Amazon, like Erika Saldaña of the Kukama Kukamiria People, how to advocate for their communities, improve their livelihoods, and protect their lands for future generations. Follow Erika’s Journey as she travels 24 hours to reach the in-person EGIDA classes and read the companion Exposure story, also available in Spanish.
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Virtual Spaces Strengthen Ties for Brazil's Indigenous Women
USAID’s Strengthening the Capacity of Indigenous Organizations in the Amazon worked with the Union of Indigenous Women of the Brazilian Amazon to improve online access so its members could connect with each other in virtual spaces to collectively address solutions to local problems. Read the full story and watch the video in English, Spanish, or Portuguese.
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