Collectively Making an Impact : The Governors ’ Climate and Forests Task Force
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It was a meeting of minds and hearts when more than 300 dedicated representatives from 40 states and provinces from around the world gathered in March for the 12th Annual Governors ’ Climate and Forests Task Force meeting in Manaus , Brazil .
These governors , community representatives , Indigenous peoples , civil society organizations and private sector members are united with a common goal — curbing tropical deforestation in order to address a shared concern over global climate change .
“ The synergy was tangible at this meeting ,” said Mark Gruin , VP of Strategic Initiatives at Rainforest Trust . “ The importance of networking is increasingly crucial . We made new relationships and reinforced those previously made . Sharing our conservation goals face-to-face is a vital step in this process .”
“ During the meeting , the Manaus Action Plan for a New Forest Economy was signed by 40 governors commiting to protect tropical forests and reduce deforestation ,” said Andrea Carneiro , Latin America Conservation Specialist at Rainforest Trust .
The Manaus Action Plan renewed the Task Force ’ s commitment to reduce deforestation by at least 80 %— relative to current levels — by 2030 , as well as increase forest restoration .
BACKGROUND : BRAZIL RAINFOREST CANOPY BY RICHARD WHITCOMBE / SHUTTERSTOCK ; LEFT : SPEAKER WILLIAM BOYD AT THE 2022 GCF TASK FORCE MEETING