The Amazon rainforest, also known as the “lungs of our planet”, plays an incredibly significant role in the functioning of the world’s ecosystem. The UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (the SDGs), have been woven into all aspects of life, from environmental education to refined philosophies of world-renowned corporations.

I had the opportunity to work with the Foundation for Amazon Sustainability (FAS) in different Amazonian communities in Brazil, performing needs analysis to map a sustainable, thriving future for the rainforest. We had a common goal in mind: to protect those who keep the rainforest alive, and to preserve the existing resources and systems in place that have allowed these communities to thrive for centuries. Climate change is happening at an unimaginable rate, heavily affecting those who are the most vulnerable and geographically isolated from aid. By spending time in the communities and gaining insight into their way of life, it is clear that community members are entrusting their local knowledge of the rainforest to fight natural disasters, but rates and severity of climate change impacts have rapidly intensified, and such knowledge that have been passed on and used for generations, are slowly becoming redundant, and quite frankly, futile. However, with the help from FAS, the voices of the community members have been heard and we have successfully implemented various schemes to help communities thrive. These schemes are based on the SDGs, using existing resources to build infrastructure and systems that are sustainable yet durable.

I am sure that all of you have studied the Amazon to some extent, whether as a case study, or knowing it as a fun fact for being the world’s second-longest river. The Amazon holds a certain familiarity from all the books I’ve read, but seeing it with my own eyes means so much more. FAS, and many other organisations are continually doing magnificent work, keeping the rainforest and those who protect it alive, and teaching others what it means to protect and cherish the land that provides us with all we have. So, I urge you all, to continue delving deep into ESG and environmental education, to look past the order of the SDGs but how such goals can be implemented in societies to better lives and the planet.

Author: Ms. Charlotte Lai, ICSD Youth Ambassador