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Marielos Peña-Claros appointed co-chair of Science Panel for the Amazon

Published on: April 13, 2023

The Science Panel for the Amazon is the first high-level science initiative dedicated to the Amazon. The Panel was established to assess the current state of the Amazon ecosystems and its people, to examine trends and implications for the long-term well-being of the region. And also to explore opportunities and policy relevant options for the conservation and sustainable development of the Amazon. Options for conservation and sustainable development are urgently needed as widespread deforestation, forest degradation, and wildfires have intensified in recent years. Marielos Peña-Claros, personal professor in tropical forest management, recently started as co-chair of the Science Panel for the Amazon (SPA).

Today the Panel is composed of over 240 scientists. The ‘2021 Amazon Assessment Report’ was released at COP26 in Glasgow, which has been called an “encyclopedia” of the Amazon region. This landmark report is unprecedented for its scientific and geographic scope, the inclusion of Indigenous scientists, and its transparency, having undergone peer review and public consultation. The SPA also aims to stimulate science advancement by covering knowledge gaps and involving more science academies and young researchers. As well as by spurring investment in science, technology, and innovation in the Amazonian region.

Marielos is delighted with her appointment: “It is really a great honour to be the one of the SPA co-chair. There is so much to do, with great urgency. As SPA we hope to contribute to a more sustainable future for the Amazon. This will certainly require to engage with a large diversity of stakeholders both in the Amazon and elsewhere”. Recently Marielos Peña-Claros participated on the “Conference for the Amazon We Want” that took place in Belem, Pará, Brazil. During this event the SPA presented the key messages of the 2021 Assessment Report and policy briefs, and engaged on a dialogue with different stakeholders and authorities of this region.

Marielos Peña Claros (far right) with co-chair Carlos Nobre (left), Emma Torres and the former co-chair Andrea Encalada.

Contact prof.dr. M (Marielos) Peña Claros

The SPA is convened under the auspices of the UN Sustainable Solutions Network (SDSN).

Dr. Jeffrey Sachs, the President of SDSN, is the convener of the SPA, Emma Torres is the Strategic Coordinator, Dr. Carlos Nobre and Dr. Marielos Peña-Claros are the Co-Chairs.