PlanaFlor Advisory Board establishes engagement strategies for the sustainable development agenda in Brazil

The PlanaFlor Advisory Board held its first face-to-face meeting on 16 June to identify engagement strategies to promote the strategic plan for sustainable development in Brazil, based on the effective implementation of the Forest Code. The meeting was attended by the coordinators of the project and the board members, who have distinguished roles in different sectors, marking an important step to push forward the environmental agenda in the country.

During the meeting, Beto Mesquita, BVRio Director of Forests and Public Policy, showcased the work and publications made available on the project’s website. The plan is being presented to the Brazilian Government, Congress leaders, subnational governments, civil organisations, public ministry and other authorities related to the theme.

Joaquim Levy, the Board’s coordinator, highlighted the importance of this meeting for implementing effective, sustainable development measures in Brazil. “PlanaFlor is a crucial initiative to achieve the goals set by the Forest Code. Our collaboration and exchange of experiences will help us create solid strategies and achieve positive environmental and societal results,” said Levy.

Marcelo Hercowitz, manager of the PlanaFlor project, reflected on the meeting and the potential engagement of the various actors with the plan, “The meeting highlighted the relevance of PlanaFlor for the current state of affairs in the country, since the Plan shows, with solid foundations, that the implementation of the Forest Code has the potential to generate economic growth in Brazil, and of the agribusiness sector while conserving the existing native vegetation and recovering degraded areas. As a result, it enables the country to reach its NDCs and to consolidate itself in international markets as a reference in sustainable low-carbon agriculture.” 

The PlanaFlor Advisory Board comprises representatives from different sectors, bringing together knowledge and experience to drive sustainable development. Among the participants were Roberta Del Giudice, from the Forest Code Observatory; Rosa Lemos de Sa, from FUNBIO; Beatriz Stuart Secaf, from FEBRABAN; Paulo Hartung, from Ibá, Joaquim Levy, Marcelo Vieira, from SRB; Baiena Souto, from FGV; Mauricio de Moura Costa, Beto Mesquita and Marcelo Hercowitz, from BVRio; and Walfredo Schindler, Luis Saporta and Rafaela Silva, from FBDS.

PlanaFlor aims to implement the Forest Code effectively and seeks to create synergies among the various actors involved in the environmental agenda, such as the private sector, civil society organisations, academia and government. The initiative is key to ensuring the protection of natural resources, the conservation of biodiversity and the sustainable development of Brazil.

The Board will continue to coordinate meetings and collaborate to advance the strategic actions proposed by the project. The expectation is that, through this constructive dialogue, concrete policies and measures will be implemented to contribute to a more sustainable and resilient future for the country.