Introduction: Socio-biodiversity in the pan-amazon

The report examines the Amazon as a critical ecological and socio-economic system facing accelerating degradation. It frames socio-biodiversity, the interdependence of biological diversity and Indigenous and local cultures, as essential to sustaining the region. The Amazon plays a global role in climate regulation, water cycles, and carbon storage, yet current development pathways threaten its resilience. The report argues that environmental protection and economic development must be addressed together through coordinated, mission-led policy.

Challenges and opportunities for a just transition in the pan amazon

The Amazon spans over 7 million km² across nine countries and holds unmatched biodiversity. Around 27% of the region is Indigenous territory and 25% is designated protected area, yet nearly half of these areas face moderate to high pressure from deforestation, infrastructure expansion, agriculture, and mining. By 2021, approximately 17% of forest cover had been lost, increasing the risk of irreversible ecological tipping points.
Agricultural expansion—particularly cattle ranching and soy—accounts for most deforestation, while illegal gold mining has caused mercury contamination of rivers and ecosystems. Weak land governance, limited enforcement capacity, and fragmented policies undermine existing conservation efforts. At the same time, the region presents opportunities for sustainable development through biodiversity-based industries, innovation, and inclusive economic models.

Existing initiatives

The report reviews existing programmes across the region, including Brazil’s PPCDAm, ARPA, Bolsa Verde, and Ecological Transformation Plan, and Colombia’s Amazon Vision programme and National Bioeconomy Strategy. Some initiatives have demonstrated impact for example, PPCDAm contributed to an 83% reduction in deforestation between 2004 and 2012—but many are fragmented, short-term, or vulnerable to political shifts. The report finds that most initiatives focus on mitigating harm rather than transforming the underlying economic structures driving environmental degradation.

A just transition in the amazon

A mission-oriented framework

The report proposes a mission-oriented approach to align public and private actors around shared objectives, such as ending deforestation and restoring 20% of degraded land by 2030. This approach aims to reshape markets rather than correct failures after the fact. Priority sectors include sustainable agri-food systems, renewable energy, bio-innovation, water management, health, eco-tourism, and sustainable extraction. Regional coordination, including through the Amazon Cooperation Treaty Organisation, is identified as essential.

A common good approach

A common good framework underpins the mission-oriented strategy, built on five pillars: purpose and directionality, co-creation, collective learning, access and reward-sharing, and transparency. Indigenous peoples and local communities are positioned as co-creators rather than beneficiaries. Equitable benefit-sharing, recognition of land rights, and accountability mechanisms are emphasised to ensure long-term legitimacy and effectiveness.

Mission-oriented tools, institutions, and partnerships with common good principles

Tools and institutions

Public financial institutions, development banks, and state-owned enterprises are identified as key actors in directing investment. Examples include Brazil’s BNDES and the Amazon Fund, which has mobilised over USD 1.3 billion for conservation. Strategic public procurement, such as Brazil’s requirement that at least 30% of school meal inputs be sourced from local farmers, is highlighted as a tool to support sustainable supply chains.

Public–private partnerships

The report argues that partnerships must include clear conditionalities, including environmental compliance, fair labour standards, accessibility, and reinvestment obligations, to avoid reinforcing extractive models.

Co-creation and participation models

Initiatives such as Brazil’s Robustas Amazónicos Initiative, Colombia’s Caquetá agroforestry programme, and cooperation in the Triple Frontier illustrate how combining traditional knowledge with innovation can support sustainable livelihoods when communities are meaningfully involved.

Conclusion: A new social contract for the pan-amazon

The report concludes that a just transition in the Pan-Amazon requires a new social contract that aligns environmental protection, inclusive development, and economic transformation. Mission-oriented policies, redesigned financial institutions, and participatory governance are presented as necessary to safeguard the Amazon while creating long-term, shared value at regional and global levels.