The Amazonia spans 6.7 million square kilometers¡ªtwice the size of India¡ªand holds half of the planet's remaining tropical forests, covering about 40% of South America across eight countries. Home to 47 million people, it is a critical global asset due to its capacity to store vast amounts of carbon dioxide that regulate climate change, provide hydrological stability and to be home to 10% of the world's known species.
But this region it at risk. Climate change, unregulated land use expansion, unsustainable land/water use practices and environmental crime continue to threaten the sustainability of the Amazonian region and the benefits it provides. Across all countries, poverty levels in Amazonian regions are higher than the country¡¯s average. In Brazil, 36% of the population in the Amazonia lives below the poverty line, many lacking basic sanitation, education, and healthcare services.
Amazonia Viva is the World Bank Group initiative to strengthen efforts and collaboration to safeguard natural assets for a healthy forest biome, foster nature-smart and inclusive economic opportunities and improve living standards of its population.
As a part of the World Bank Global Challenge Program on Forests for Development, Climate, and Biodiversity, Amazonia Viva will promote innovative solutions to deepen and broaden the support from the World Bank Group including the International Finance Corporation and Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency, working in partnership with the Inter-American Development Bank Group under the umbrella of the Amazonia Forever program.
