#Brazil #Indigenous Peoples #Davos #Ambipar #SDG 18

Promoting Climate Action: Ambipar and Native Peoples in Davos

In a significant move towards addressing climate emergencies and promoting sustainability, Ambipar, a leading Brazilian environmental solutions multinational, signed a groundbreaking agreement with the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples (MPI) in Davos, Switzerland. This protocol of intent aims not only to protect indigenous lands but also to bolster local communities through innovative environmental programs.

On January 24, 2025, Tercio Borlenghi Jr., the president of Ambipar, and Eloy Terena, the MPI's executive secretary, unveiled their collaborative efforts designed to tackle challenges surrounding climate change. This initiative aligns with the creation of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 18, which emphasizes ethnic and racial equality.

The partnership targets approximately one million square kilometers of indigenous territories—nearly 14% of Brazil's land. This is comparable to the combined area of France and England. Furthermore, it aims to develop sustainable practices across these lands by implementing various initiatives, such as technical support for disaster response training, reforestation of deforested areas, and projects centered on bioeconomy.

In analyzing the scope of this partnership, Borlenghi noted, "We believe in the power of collaboration to transform challenges into sustainable opportunities. This partnership strengthens our commitment to providing positive impacts on both people and the planet, particularly for indigenous communities who play a vital role in environmental preservation."

Terena also highlighted the importance of this agreement. He stated that it serves as a crucial tool for solidifying culturally sensitive public policies aimed at sustainability and ensuring that the benefits of such initiatives genuinely reach indigenous communities.

With this groundbreaking partnership, Ambipar is not only advancing environmental sustainability but also fostering social equity by integrating young people from indigenous backgrounds into professional training programs in conservation activities and eco-friendly practices. Such initiatives fall in line with the International Labor Organization's (ILO) Convention 169, which advocates for indigenous peoples' rights.

Ambipar’s commitment to invest in environmental regeneration, circular economy projects, and energy transition shows its visionary approach to industry leadership. The company operates in 41 countries with over 20,000 employees and is publicly traded on the B3 and New York Stock Exchange.

The collaboration launched in Davos marks a pivotal moment, emphasizing the need for collective action between private sector entities and indigenous communities, ultimately striving for a sustainable future. As these stakeholders work together, they set a precedent for global initiatives that could reshape how businesses align with ecological and social responsibilities. Their efforts to integrate environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations into their operational frameworks continue to reflect a growing trend towards accountability and proactive engagement with indigenous rights and environmental protections.

Conclusion

The signing of this protocol signifies a unified commitment to creating a balance between sustainability and the rights of the indigenous peoples. As Ambipar and the MPI embark on this promising journey, their collaboration serves as a model for future initiatives focused on climate action and social inclusivity. Through this alliance, they pave the way for meaningful change in the environmental governance landscape.