From April 22-23, 2025, the Governors’ Climate and Forests Task Force (GCFTF), together with Action for Forests, the Amazonia+ program of the European Union, the Unidad Nacional para la Gestion de Riesgos de Desastres de Colombia, and the Ministry of the Environment and Sustainable Development of Colombia gathered for the Summit of Governors of the Amazon in Bogota, Colombia. This Summit, supported by Amazonia+ and the Unidad Nacional, was organized at the invitation of Governor Luis Francisco Ruiz Aguilar of Caquetá to advance technical cooperation around integrated fire management within the Colombian Amazon and to develop a Declaration of Cooperation between the six Governors of the Colombian Amazon.
The first day’s discussion focused on technical cooperation, with participants from each of the 6 departmental governments of the Colombian Amazon presenting on their challenges, successes, and collaboration opportunities to better confront fire and other environmental risks.
On April 23, the Governors discussed with the Ambassador of Norway to Colombia and the Ambassador of the European Union to Colombia on the opportunities of increased subnational collaboration through the GCFTF, as well as how this could support policy goals of the national government in the process. The Governors also engaged with GCFTF Project Director Jason Gray to learn more about this unique network and the benefits of beginning the process of joining as observer governments. Importantly, Luis Eduardo, senior delegate from GCFTF Member Santa Cruz, Bolivia, shared his Governor’s views on why Santa Cruz decided to join the task force and how their membership has provided important opportunities to increase collaboration on forest protection, wildfire management, engagement with Indigenous communities, and economic development.
Finally, the Governors signed a Declaration of the Governors of Amazonas, Caquetá, GuainÃa, Guaviare, Putumayo, and Vaupés, entitled Uniting Voices for the Climate, Forests, and Communities of the Amazon. This declaration outlines commitments and steps the Governors have agreed on, including working to co-design a new forest economy in line with the GCF Task Force, to seek membership within the GCF Task Force, and multiple cooperation commitments within the Departmental Governments and with the National Government.
This meeting outlined the importance of convening Governors for a common vision and ensuring partnerships and support to help them implement stronger forest, climate, and community protection programs.
The GCFTF looks forward to welcoming the Governors to the 15th Annual Meeting of the GCFTF in Acre, Brazil from May 19-23, 2025.