Soltani: Rethink logic from extractive to regenerative initiatives

In a compelling conversation with CNBC Africa at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Atossa Soltani, the Director of Global Strategy for the Amazon Sacred Headwaters Alliance, articulated a powerful message on the urgent need to shift the global financial architecture towards supporting countries that serve as stewards of the world's biodiversity and rainforests. Soltani emphasized the importance of reimagining our economic logic from extractive to regenerative initiatives, placing a spotlight on the critical work being done by indigenous communities in the Amazon region. Soltani highlighted a groundbreaking alliance formed by 30 indigenous nations in the headwaters of the Amazon River in Ecuador and Peru. These communities have made a historic commitment to safeguard their territories, spanning an area equivalent to the size of Italy. This region stands out as one of the most biodiverse areas on the planet, underscoring the immense ecological significance of their conservation efforts. The core of the indigenous people's message revolves around a fundamental paradigm shift in the economic model. They advocate for a departure from practices centered on exploitation and environmental degradation towards a holistic approach that prioritizes the well-being of all life forms. Central to their vision is the restoration and regeneration of ecosystems, alongside the preservation of existing natural habitats. Collaborating with a diverse group of experts, including indigenous elders and local leaders, a comprehensive master plan has been crafted to guide conservation efforts in the region. The plan encompasses strategies to empower local communities in protecting their lands, promote renewable energy solutions, and foster alternative economic activities that revolve around sustainable forest-based practices. Despite the progress made, significant challenges loom large over the Amazon region. Approximately 80% of the area faces threats from activities such as oil drilling, mining operations, and infrastructure development. In response, the Amazon Sacred Headwaters Alliance is actively engaged in legal battles with governments, advocating for land rights for communities, and securing investments to support initiatives that reward environmental stewards and enhance livelihoods. One of the pivotal issues raised by Soltani pertains to the economic viability of conservation efforts in a landscape where governments are grappling with mounting debts. She underscored the critical need for debt relief mechanisms to alleviate the financial burdens faced by countries like Ecuador, where revenues from resource extraction are predominantly directed towards servicing debt obligations. Soltani called for a fundamental restructuring of the current financial system to provide economic incentives for countries that serve as primary custodians of global biodiversity. She emphasized the necessity of transitioning subsidies from fossil fuels towards restoration and renewable energy projects, while also advocating for a fundamental shift in how we measure progress, moving away from GDP-centric growth models towards holistic well-being metrics. Furthermore, Soltani shed light on the role of influential economic institutions such as the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in shaping global economic policies. She underscored the need for these institutions to reconsider their criteria for debt relief, emphasizing the importance of valuing natural assets like water, biodiversity, and forests over extractive resources like oil and minerals. In conclusion, Soltani issued a compelling call to action for a comprehensive reevaluation of our economic logic, stressing the urgent need to transition towards regenerative frameworks that prioritize environmental sustainability and the well-being of communities. By challenging the status quo and advocating for a paradigm shift towards a life-affirming economic system, Soltani and the Amazon Sacred Headwaters Alliance are spearheading a transformative vision for conservation and sustainable development in the Amazon region.