Environmental and health challenges in the Amazon through a multidisciplinary approach

highlights from the international workshop on environment, health, and sustainability in the Brazilian Amazon in São Luís, Maranhão

Abstract

The international workshop on environment, health, and sustainability in the Brazilian Amazon was held in the city of São Luís from April 24th to April 27th, 2024. The Brazilian Amazon, a globally crucial ecosystem, faces environmental degradation due to deforestation, illegal activities, and climate change. These factors negatively impact the health and well-being of local and indigenous communities, leading to loss of resources and increased disease risk. Sustainable practices are essential for both the regional and global communities.The meeting promoted by the University CEUMA (Brazil), Bangor University (United Kingdom), and the Claremont Graduate University (USA) congregated scientists, researchers, and stakeholders from private industry, and government bodies. The workshops aimed to address environmental and health challenges in the Amazon through a multidisciplinary approach focusing on the communities' sustainable behavioral change. The "Empowering Sustainable Communities" project, a centerpiece of this collaborative effort, was designed to address these challenges head-on. The team is collaborating on developing the project's proposal for funding by the relevant stakeholders and funding agencies. One concrete outcome of the event is the development of an application to the British Academy “Just Transitions” Programme which has the stated aim: “Ensuring just transitions while tackling climate change and biodiversity loss is key to supporting inclusive economies and societies in the future… and how we can shape a positive future locally, nationally and globally”. This will include researchers across several disciplines and from several countries, including Brazil, UK and US. The project will identify specific needs within target populations (impoverished, rural, indigenous communities) and co-design behaviorally informed solutions that address environmental, health, and sustainability concerns. Furthermore, the project aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (poverty, health, clean water, inequalities, sustainable communities, etc.) and the UK government's pillars on climate and forests. Overall, the project will focus on knowledge transfer, capacity building, and potentially influencing Brazilian policies on sustainable practices. We hope this starting project will contribute to establish a platform that can be used for diferrent populations in the Brazilian Amazon as well as to motivate new collaborations with others players globally.