In a recent development, over 70 organizations have come together to support a manifesto defending Brazil’s Amazon Soy Moratorium. This critical agreement has faced a series of attacks in Brazil, with legislative proposals aiming to undermine its effectiveness in preserving nature.

The Amazon region is at a crucial juncture, grappling with a climate crisis that has global repercussions. Despite the urgent need for concerted efforts to combat environmental degradation, certain factions within Brazilian agriculture are pushing to dismantle the Amazon Soy Moratorium, a key initiative that has successfully curbed deforestation in the region for the past 18 years.

These regressive forces in Brazilian agribusiness are advocating for the termination of the Moratorium, seeking to penalize those who go beyond the minimum environmental protections mandated by law. By incentivizing activities that contribute to deforestation, these actions pose a significant threat not only to Brazil’s environmental commitments but also to global biodiversity.

Various legislative bodies in Brazil have already passed bills targeting producers adhering to the Moratorium, with more states contemplating similar measures. This assault on a crucial deforestation prevention tool reflects a concerning lack of dedication to addressing the climate crisis, as noted by Alice Thuault, Executive Director of the Instituto Centro de Vida (ICV).

To counter these detrimental moves and safeguard the Moratorium’s integrity, over 70 civil society organizations, including Greenpeace Brazil, have signed the Manifesto in Defence of the Moratorium. This united front emphasizes the critical role the Moratorium plays in achieving Brazil’s climate objectives and preserving its rich biodiversity.

The Manifesto highlights the adverse implications of rolling back the Moratorium, which could not only embolden deforestation but also tarnish the reputation of the soybean market. By penalizing companies committed to sustainable practices, these proposed changes threaten to unravel years of progress in combating deforestation and promoting responsible agricultural practices.

As pressure mounts to weaken environmental safeguards in the Amazon, it is imperative that companies in the soy chain uphold their commitment to zero deforestation and continue supporting the Moratorium. Any attempts to dilute this vital agreement would represent a significant setback in efforts to prevent the commercialization of products linked to Amazon destruction.

The historical context of the Soy Moratorium underscores its effectiveness in curbing deforestation while allowing for the expansion of soy production in a sustainable manner. By preventing deforestation associated with soy expansion, the Moratorium has emerged as a crucial tool in mitigating climate change and preserving the Amazon’s ecological balance.

Mauricio Voivodic, executive director of WWF-Brazil, underscores the pivotal role of the Moratorium in combating climate change and maintaining regional ecological stability. The signatories of the Manifesto advocate for robust actions from both the public and private sectors to swiftly reduce deforestation rates and uphold the Moratorium’s principles.

In conclusion, the collective efforts to defend the Amazon Soy Moratorium are essential in safeguarding Brazil’s environmental commitments and global biodiversity. Upholding this critical agreement is paramount in ensuring sustainable agricultural practices and preserving the Amazon’s invaluable ecosystems for future generations.