Our newly published MAAP #197 report presents our most comprehensive analysis of mining across the Amazon to date. As illegal gold mining continues to be one of the major issues facing nearly all Amazonian countries, the information in these reports incorporates major gold mining operations in rivers with its deforestation effects, estimating that there are at least 58 active forest and river-based mining sites across the Amazon (49 likely illegal), and at least 36 conflictive overlaps with protected areas (16) and indigenous territories (20).

Illegal gold mining impacts both primary forests and rivers, often in remote and critical areas such as protected areas & indigenous territories. Thus, illegal gold mining is both a major deforestation driver and a source of water contamination (especially mercury) across the Amazon. While gold mining is actively causing deforestation in nearly all nine countries of the Amazon, these nations’ leaders attended a recent high-level summit in which they signed the Belém Declaration, containing a commitment to prevent and combat illegal mining, including strengthened regional and international cooperation in mitigating these harmful, illegal activities.

Click here to read the full report.

We are proud to be a founding member of the recently-established Nature Crime Alliance (NCA), a global multi-sector initiative to fight environmental crimes across the globe, led by the World Resources Institute (WRI). Through this joint initiative, we will be working with NGOs and local governments to raise political awareness, implement financial commitment, and strengthen operational capacity to initiate solutions to nature crimes by bringing change and positive impacts to life. Other founding partners in this alliance include the government of Norway’s development agency (Norad), the Wildlife Justice Commission, the conservation news platform Mongabay, and more. 

Environmental and nature crimes can come in the form of logging, mining, wildlife trade, land conversion, crimes associated with fishing, and various illegal activities that pose a threat to the environment. These harmful activities pose a major threat to the world’s vital ecosystems, incredible biodiversity, diverse economies, Indigenous Peoples and local communities, and the global climate. Without a concerted international effort to tackle nature crimes, these crimes have now become the largest financial driver of terrorism and other forms of conflict across the globe. The Nature Crime Alliance has emerged to fill this gap and amplify global efforts to fight back against nature crimes.

This alliance aligns well with Amazon Conservation’s long history of fighting environmental crimes in the Peruvian Amazon. From 2016-2020, we built a real-time satellite-based monitoring system that directly supported the Peruvian government in creating the National System of Control and Monitoring (Sistema Nacional) and improved the capacity of local forest users to monitor and protect their lands. This project was made possible thanks to the support from Norway’s International Climate and Forest Initiative (NICFI) through the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (Norad), which is currently funding the project “Technology Meets Policy: Real-time Monitoring and Action in the Amazon,” a five-year initiative aimed at reducing deforestation from illegal activities within the territories of the indigenous target groups in Ecuador and Peru while addressing gaps in deforestation prevention by linking technology and real-time monitoring with improved governance. 

To continue our efforts in combating illegal deforestation and improving governance, Amazon Conservation’s President John Beavers explains that “for us, the Nature Crime Alliance is such an important group to be part of, because to bring together the critical mass of organizations, resources, and the focus needed to be able to fight illegal deforestation at scale, whether it’s the Amazon or across the world, is a key piece to make conservation, sustainable development, and social justice work.”

To read the full statement on the Nature Crime Alliance’s objectives and approach, click here.

Deforestation in Chiribiquete National Park (MAAP #101). Credit: FCDS/RFN/AAF.

From day one, Amazon Conservation has combined the power of technology and locally-driven action to combat deforestation across the Amazon. In 2015, we launched our Monitoring of the Andean Amazon Program (MAAP) to provide real-time actionable data using the latest in satellite technology to help stop deforestation threats that harm forests and the people that reside within them. 

In recent efforts to expand our monitoring and action work across the Amazon through MAAP, we are partnering with local civil society organizations and private foundations to elevate our presence in Colombia. We recently received generous support from The Overbrook Foundation to detect and act upon these deforestation threats, in partnership with the Fundación para la Conservación y el Desarrollo Sostenible (FCDS), a prestigious NGO that will be key in sharing our actionable data with local authorities. Our goal is to lead to real, swift action against illegal deforestation. 

Lead Environmental Advisor to The Overbrook Foundation Daniel Katz shared that “the Overbrook Foundation is proud to support Amazon Conservation and its MAAP initiative to prevent illegal deforestation in Colombia. MAAP’s capabilities for tracking deforestation in real-time, along with the knowledge on who to share this information with, provides palpable tools for saving biodiversity and forests.”

This work and partnerships in Colombia are vital as deforestation remains elevated and threatens protected areas. As our MAAP #187 reported in 2022, the Colombian Amazon lost 97,417 hectares of primary forest to deforestation, and fires directly impacted an additional 12,880 hectares. Combined, the forest loss was equivalent to losing the entirety of the Rocky Mountains National Park in Colorado. Deforestation decreased 2% from 2021 but remained relatively high (5th highest on record), continuing the trend of elevated forest loss since the FARC peace agreement in 2016.

By working with government entities and local NGOs, Amazon Conservation aims to combine MAAP information with government capacity to understand satellite evidence of environmental crimes to apply the law, helping build a strong foundation to strengthen the efforts and institutions Colombia needs to stop illegal deforestation more effectively. 

We are grateful for The Overbrook Foundation’s generosity and support for our initiatives in the Colombian Amazon, and we look forward to what we can accomplish together through MAAP. 

Want to support MAAP or our work in the Colombian Amazon too?

Click here to learn more >

As we enter a fast-growing digital landscape, many organizations and non-profits have begun exploring new ways to secure funding to broaden their impact. Earlier this year, we implemented a new donation tool called The Giving Block that streamlines cryptocurrency and stock donations to Amazon Conservation. Cryptocurrency and stock donations have now become powerful tools that reshape the way charitable contributions are made, providing tax benefits that non-cash donations offer. 

Why did we decide to start accepting these donation methods? Accepting cryptocurrency and stock donations can be highly beneficial for both us and donors.

• Diversifying Donation Methods: Accepting cryptocurrencies and stock donations can help us become less reliant on traditional forms of fundraising, creating a more stable and secure financial base
• Lower Fees and Transaction Costs: There are often lower fees in cryptocurrency transactions and stock donations compared to traditional banking and credit card transactions, meaning more of the donation can go directly to our conservation work rather than a third-party holder
• Potential for High Donations: Some stocks and cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin and Ethereum have had significant increases in their value over time. Especially with crypto, those who contribute could donate more than what they traditionally would in regular currency donations, especially if these assets have been held for a while
• Donor Tax Benefits: In some countries, donating cryptocurrency or stock can have tax advantages for the donor. By accepting these kinds of donations, we now have the potential to attract donors who are looking for ways to maximize their charitable contributions while optimizing their tax liabilities
• Transparency and Accountability: Blockchain technology  can help secure and publicly verify digital transactions, allowing donors to see how exactly their contributions are being used by us, and thus creating trust with the donor
• Appeal to Younger Demographics: Accepting cryptocurrency and stock donations can be seen as a modernized approach to tech-savvy and younger donors familiar with digital currencies and assets, helping us reach out to a demographic that may not be used to traditional fundraising and donation methods

While there are many beneficial reasons for us to accept crypto and stock donations, we acknowledge that we must consider the volatility of the value of these assets. For more information on our cryptocurrency and stock donations, please visit our page here to learn more. 

Our Bolivian sister organization Conservación Amazónica – ACEAA is celebrating its 12-year anniversary this October. Celebrations began at the end of last month with a cocktail party for the organization’s team, diplomatic corps, and allied organizations at their headquarters in La Paz, Bolivia. ACEAA has been a part of our alliance (including our other sister organization Conservación Amazónica – ACCA in Peru) from its beginning and has enacted a joint mission of sustainably managing territorial spaces in the Amazon, generating knowledge and capacities with local communities and workers to help conserve biodiverse ecosystems.

Since its foundation in 2011, ACEAA has carried out its conservation efforts throughout more than 30 million hectares in the Bolivian Amazon, covering three departments: Beni, La Paz, and Pando. This diverse landscape is home to a variety of ecosystems included within the Amazon basin, from the headwaters and heights of the Andes mountain range, passing through different types of forests to the grasslands and wetlands of the Beni. These landscapes provide essential tools to governments and local stakeholders to empower communities to develop sustainable livelihoods in harmony with forests.

In addition to the many programs that have helped conserve the greater Amazon, ACEAA plays an active role in supporting local initiatives to strategize sustainable forest use through its support for the creation of the Inter-Institutional Platform for Articulation of Amazonian Fruit Productive Complexes PICFA, a platform for public-private coordination to strengthen the production of Amazonian fruits in Pando, and The Federation of Asaí and Amazonian Fruits of the department of Pando (FEDAFAP), an organization of Acai fruit workers and institutes to maintain and promote sustainable production practices.

Against all odds, this team continues to envision a thriving Amazon that supports the full diversity of life. Today, more than ever, it is critical that we, as global citizens, unite to protect this natural treasure. Our goal as an alliance is to create a more sustainable way forward. Together, we can ensure a prosperous future for the Amazon, a region vital to life on our planet. Let us continue to work towards preserving this priceless heritage and ensure that future generations can enjoy the beauty and richness of the Amazon.

Thank you to all our supporters who have helped support our alliance throughout the years. Your efforts will not go unnoticed, and we greatly appreciate all those who help us conserve some of the greatest forests on earth.

If you love our work then tell the world! Stories about us from people like you will help us make an even bigger impact in our community. At Amazon Conservation, we are dedicated to making a positive impact on the world and serving our community with unwavering commitment. We believe in transparency, accountability, and fostering trust with our supporters. That’s why we’re asking you, our valued supporters, for your help in spreading the word about our work.

GreatNonprofits is a trusted platform where people can share their experiences with nonprofits and help others discover organizations that are making a difference. The platform honors highly regarded nonprofits with their 2023 Top-Rated List. Will you help us raise visibility and credibility for our work by posting a brief story of your experience with us?

Why are reviews important?

• Trust and credibility: Positive reviews from supporters like you can build trust with potential donors, volunteers, and partners. It’s like a personal recommendation that can convince others of the authenticity and impact of our work.
• Visibility: More reviews mean better visibility on GreatNonprofits and other platforms. This increased visibility can lead to more supporters finding out about our organization, which in turn can help us raise more funds and accomplish our mission.
• Feedback and improvement: Reviews also provide us with valuable feedback. While we appreciate your support, we’re always striving to improve and do better. Honest reviews can highlight areas where we excel and where we can make improvements.

How can you help?

• Write a review: Visit our profile on GreatNonprofits and share your thoughts and experiences. Be specific about how we’ve made a positive impact on you, the community, or the planet. Your unique perspective matters.
• Spread the word: Encourage your friends, family, and colleagues who support us to write reviews as well. The more voices we have, the stronger our message becomes.
• Share on social media: If you’re comfortable, share your review on your social media channels to further amplify our cause.
• Engage with others: Engage with other reviewers and comment on their reviews. This shows that our community is active and engaged, further enhancing our credibility.

Remember that your words have the power to inspire others and drive positive change. By writing a review for us on GreatNonprofits, you’re helping us achieve our mission to ensure a thriving Amazon and a better planet for future generations. 

We at Amazon Conservation are grateful for every supporter who joins us in our mission, and we look forward to reading your reviews on GreatNonprofits.

Marcos Terán, director of our Bolivian sister organization Conservación Amazónica – ACEAA, recently visited the Municipality of Bolpebra in Pando, Bolivia to sign an agreement that would call for inter-institutional cooperation with their Autonomous government to enact sustainable management of forests, strengthen capacities of local organizations, and formulate projects to better improve territory management. Similar to Bolpebra, the municipality of Ingavi has also signed an agreement that expressed their interest in their own vision of comprehensive forest management, with the premise of conserving their natural spaces and promoting adequate use of their natural resources. ACEAA began to work with both Municipal Governments upon signing the established cooperation agreements.

Among the key elements of these sustainable objectives, both municipalities aim to work together at maintaining the conservation of nature for the benefit of local communities. Such efforts include helping local organizations maintain the ecological balance and control of environmental pollution, promote the sustainable use of water resources, and provide water for irrigation and for human consumption. 

These agreements will later serve as a foundation in support of achieving, through a strategic alliance, the development of synergies for the implementation of actions, planning projects, and comprehensive management of natural resources, as well as actions aimed towards conservation in these municipalities.

Based on previous reports (e.g.  MAAP #188), the Peruvian Amazon is facing massive deforestation by Mennonite colonies. 

Our latest publication from MAAP #192 demonstrates through very high-resolution satellite imagery (0.5 meters from Planet’s Skysat fleet) that these Mennonite colonies (Chipiar, Providencia, and Vanderland), located in the regions of Loreto and Ucayali, caused the large scale destruction of primary forests.

By comparing a series of these high resolution images across multiple Mennonite colony areas, it is confirmed that Mennonites are actively responsible for clearing primary forests in 2023.

Read the full report here>

From August 24th – 26th, our Peruvian sister organization Conservación Amazónica – ACCA brought together professionals with experience in administrative, constitutional, environmental, forestry, and criminal law to hold the theoretical-practical workshop on “Strengthening for Environmental Judges of the Amazonian Environmental Justice System.” This presentational workshop was co-organized with the National Commission for Environmental Management – Judiciary and with the support of the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation – Norad and Norway’s International Climate and Forest Initiative – NICFI.

This workshop was aimed at helping environmental judges in Amazonian regions homogenize their knowledge of criminal and administrative law within the environmental forestry branch and in the management of technological tools to strengthen the justice system when it comes to tackling crimes against natural resources. The president of the National Commission for Environmental Management of the Judiciary (PJ), Supreme Judge Iris Pacheco Huancas, warned that Amazon is facing serious issues from organized crime, which requires a strong, and properly trained justice system to be handled.

Judges from the superior courts of Madre de Dios, Ucayali, Loreto, and Lima participated in the commencement of the workshop where they highlighted leading threats by environmental crimes such as illegal mining, forestry crimes, and various related crimes such as money laundering, human trafficking, tax fraud and others. For these reasons, Justice Huancas noted that current times pose new challenges to judges, and by providing knowledge and understanding, these judges can effectively apply the corresponding tools and regulations, thus guaranteeing the protection of the legitimate rights and interests of society and the environment.