The Minister for the Environment and Sustainable Development, Susana Muhamad, met with James Cleverly, UK Secretary of State, and UK Environment Minister, Lord Zac Goldsmith, to renew the Alliance for Sustainable Growth between the UK and Colombia. The two countries pledged to continue their innovative work to tackle climate change, as well as deepen their cooperation to protect key terrestrial and marine ecosystems.

Alliance for Sustainable Growth between UK and Colombia, ambitious agreement signed in 2019is a strong example of how bilateral collaboration can address the socio-environmental challenges of climate change through a transverse agenda that includes forest and biodiversity protection, renewable energy, sustainable mobility and infrastructure, and means of sustainable livelihoods and mobilizing finance for climate and nature.

“Britain is a strategic ally to concentrate on the defense of the Amazon and create a new face for programs that seek to stop deforestation in our country,” said Minister Susana Muhamad.

Recognizing the need to jointly address the biodiversity and climate crisis, both countries will deepen their bilateral cooperation in dealing with climate change and enhance efforts to protect and restore nature and biodiversity in terrestrial and marine ecosystems. This will include increased work on illegal wildlife trade, marine pollution and forest protection, from a gender perspective and social inclusion at all stages, including recognition of the central role played by indigenous peoples, indigenous peoples and local communities in nature conservation.

“Great Britain and Colombia work together to prevent deforestation, promote a fair energy transition and protect Colombia’s extraordinary biodiversity. I am excited to renew today’s UK-Colombia Partnership for Sustainable Growth to further deepen that collaboration on one of the greatest common challenges we face,” said James Cleverly, UK Foreign Secretary.

“On the basis of important work made to date, the UK is happy to announce that, from early 2023, we will also start working with WWF Colombia to empower indigenous peoples and help them capitalize on and maximize opportunities for international carbon markets, ensuring fair processes and best practices. A second project has also been confirmed with the GAIA Foundation, which seeks to support official recognition and promote improved conditions for Indigenous Governments in the Amazon, which currently protects 11 million hectares of forest”, highlights the official statement from the United States. Kingdom.

“Colombia is one of the most beautiful that I know and for me it is very important to be here with you at COP27 and to be able to create this Alliance. The Amazon is amazing, we have to protect the swamp, its frailejone and its important water production”, said Lord Zac Goldsmith, UK Minister for the Environment.

The new Alliance for Sustainable Growth establishes clear roadmap for cooperation between UK and Colombia on climate action and nature protection during the administration of President Gustavo Petro, with priorities determined by the two countries.