US President Joe Biden announced a contribution of US$50 million to the Amazon Fund during his visit to Manaus, in the state of Amazonas, this Sunday (17).
The announcement was made during the Democrat's agenda at the Amazon Museum (Musa), where he met with indigenous leaders from the Brazilian Amazon and scientists.
The contribution of another US$50 million to the Amazon Fund was the second announced by the Biden administration.
The new investment will bring the total US contributions to the Amazon Fund to US$100 million.
The donation is subject to approval by the US Congress, now with a Republican majority.
The goal of the contribution is to accelerate global efforts to conserve land and water, protect biodiversity and address the climate crisis.
Created 16 years ago, the Amazon Fund brings together international donations to finance actions to reduce emissions from forest degradation and deforestation.
The Fund also tends to support traditional communities and NGOs that work in the region, in addition to providing resources directly to states and municipalities for actions to combat deforestation and fires.
The American president also announced that he is launching an international coalition to mobilize at least US$10 billion by 2030 to restore and protect 20,000 square miles of land.
Biden also signed a proclamation designating November 17 as International Conservation Day.
The president reinforced that he is leaving 'a very strong foundation' in climate policies for his successor Donald Trump.
"I am leaving office in January and I will leave my successor a very strong foundation, if they decide to follow that path. Some can deny or delay the clean energy revolution that is happening in the United States, but no one can reverse it," said Biden.
Also during the speech, the president of the United States praised the region.
It was the first time that a sitting president of the United States visited the Brazilian Amazon region, according to the White House.
"It has often been said that the Amazon is the lungs of the world. But in my view, our forests and wonders are the heart and soul of the world," he said.
Biden's visit to the Amazon comes two months before the end of his term as US president.

Source: Amazon Agency