Three Perspectives on the Amazon: Trade, Production and Consumption

The countries of the Amazon region, linked in the Mercosur internal market, have become a huge market that Switzerland and the EU would like to make more use of. Various trade agreements, including one with the EFTA states including Switzerland, have been in the works for some time. But in recent months these agreements have come under heavy criticism, especially within the EU, because of their impact on forest fires and deforestation. How can the Amazon be protected sustainably and what role can trade relations play in this? What kind of exchange do the inhabitants of the Amazon region want, and what kind do the European actors want? And what is the responsibility of Swiss politics and business? What role do we play as consumers? Input presentation: "The EFTA-Mercosur Agreement" by Markus Schlagenhof, Chief Negotiator for the EFTA-Mercosur Agreement. In addition, Mr. Martin Eggenschwiler, Counsellor, Head Economy, Science and Environment, from the Swiss Embassy in Brazil will give a short input on the topic "What is Switzerland doing on the topic of sustainability in Brazil?” Panel guests:  Julia Büsser (Gesellschaft für bedrohte Völker GfbV) Andreas Heinimann (Wyss Academy, University of Bern) Fabian Molina (National Councillor SP) Philippe Nell (Swiss-Latin American Chamber of Commerce LatCam) Elisabeth Schneider-Schneiter (National Councillor Mitte) Beat Röösli (Swiss Farmers' Union SBV) Moderation: Anna Stünzi (foraus) This event is part of the series Three Perspectives on the Amazon Three topics, three perspectives, three cities - in cooperation with the Forum on Foreign Policy (foraus) and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), three panel discussions on topics related to the Amazon will take place within the framework of CULTURESCAPES 2021 Amazonas. All three events will also be streamed live in the CULTURESCAPES DIGITAL SPACE.