Two biomes, one climate: The Amazon-Cerrado connection

This event will convene a high-level dialogue to highlight the critical interdependence between the Amazon and Cerrado. Speakers will address the most significant gaps in achieving effective environmental governance in both biomes. Led by national and international organisations, local communities representatives and experts, the panel will expose ongoing environmental crimes as well as associated human rights violations, presenting concrete solutions to strengthen law enforcement. While deforestation in the Amazon is largely driven by pasture clearing for cattle ranching and logging, the Cerrado has been systematically destroyed over decades to make way for large-scale agriculture that replaces its native vegetation. Another striking issue is the limited recognition of local communities as vital guardians of the biome. Supply chain investigations show these commodities overwhelmingly flow to foreign markets, underscoring the urgent responsibility of consumer countries. By convening leading experts, this discussion aims to address a critical question: how can law enforcement strategies be strengthened to effectively protect both biomes?