
A group of distinguished scholars is gathering in the nation’s capital from December 8–12, 2024, to present groundbreaking research focused on sustaining the Amazon Basin. The event marks the culmination of an 18-month collaborative effort under the Fulbright Amazonia initiative, which unites academics, scientists, and policy experts to address environmental challenges in one of the world’s most vital ecosystems.
This program, an extension of the U.S. Department of State’s Fulbright initiative, draws participants from the United States and eight Amazon region countries: Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Peru, Suriname, and Venezuela. Its mission is twofold: to develop innovative strategies for preserving the Amazon’s biodiversity and to promote the resilience and cultural integrity of its communities. The initiative’s collaborative model highlights the strong ties between U.S. institutions and their counterparts in the Amazon region.
Events during the week include a public poster exhibition at the National Academy of Sciences on December 9, where the scholars will showcase their findings. These presentations will feature topics ranging from deforestation mitigation and climate adaptation to sustainable development practices that respect indigenous traditions. The week concludes on December 12 with a live-streamed policy symposium, offering actionable recommendations for governments, NGOs, and the scientific community.
Funded by the U.S. Government and the Fulbright Commission in Brazil, the Fulbright Amazonia program aligns with broader efforts to address global environmental challenges. By fostering international collaboration and leveraging academic expertise, the program aims to ensure the long-term health of the Amazon Basin, a region critical to global climate stability and ecological balance.