City
Epaper

Peru, Colombia pledge to protect Amazon region

By IANS | Updated: August 28, 2019 15:45 IST

Peruvian President Martin Vizcarra and his Colombian counterpart Ivan Duque have pledged to work together to protect the Amazon region amid international concern over wildfires that are destroying large tracts of the rainforest.

Open in App

During a binational Cabinet meeting in the Amazonian city of Pucallpa in eastern Peru on Tuesday, the two countries signed a joint declaration calling for the need to protect the rainforest from illegal commercial activities and pollutants.

After signing the document, Vizcarra said the fires have drawn "the attention of several countries and communities around the world", Xinhua news agency reported.

Vizcarra said that caring for the Amazon, considered the "lungs of the planet", should be permanent and added that it was essential to combat illegal logging, mining and other activities including planting drugs for trafficking.

The idea is "to propose a comprehensive plan of action to support and develop the Amazon", he said.

The Peruvian leader said he will soon meet Duque again on the Amazonian border that Peru, Colombia and Brazil share, for the "launching of a commitment in the face of this important reality, which is not being given due attention".

Duque said Colombia will host that meeting "to generate a great collective awareness" about the task of protecting the Amazon.

Brazil, Peru and Colombia are home to most of the Amazon rainforest, which also extends into Venezuela, Ecuador, Bolivia and other South American countries.

Raging fires in recent weeks have raised international concern about the need to preserve the Amazon.

( With inputs from IANS )

Tags: amazonPeruColombiaVizcarraBrazil
Open in App

Related Stories

EntertainmentOTT Releases This Week: Khauf, Mere Husband Ki Biwi, Logout, Daveed & More – Top Picks for Your Weekend Watchlist

InternationalMario Vargas Llosa Passes Away: 2010 Nobel Prize Winner and Politician Dies at 89

EntertainmentOTT Releases This Week: Chhaava, Chhorii 2, Court, Perusu & More – Top Picks for Your Weekend Watchlist

MumbaiFrom Andheri To Canada: Mumbai Police Arrests Five For Duping Canadians For Iphone

EntertainmentGreed, Betrayal & a Heist Gone Wrong: 5 Reasons Why Amazon MX Player’s Loot Kaand Deserves To Be on Your Watchlist

International Realted Stories

InternationalBlast at Iran's Shahid Rajaee Port kills 40; Ayatollah Khamenei calls for investigation

InternationalSeveral injured after Florida ferry collides with another boat, police say

InternationalUS conducted over 800 strikes against Houthis since March 15, claims 69% drop in missile launches

International11 dead in Vancouver car rampage, suspect charged with murder

InternationalFlorida Ferry Accident: One Dead, 12 Hospitalised After Crash With Private Boat in Clearwater