...As a member of the LEAF (Lowering Emissions by Accelerating Forest finance) Coalition, which includes dozens of corporate leaders and the governments of the United States, United Kingdom, and Norway, Amazon appreciates the opportunity to provide financial resources to the state of Pará and forest communities to tackle deforestation and pursue sustainable economic development. The social benefits of forest protection can be significant, provided indigenous peoples and local communities are always included as partners. When working through LEAF, Amazon seeks to support jurisdictions where we see active engagement with indigenous peoples and local communities. These communities play a critical role in protecting standing forests, and have a right to be active partners in forest carbon finance— whether through jurisdictional benefit sharing programs or direct participation via their own projects, at their own determination. Prior to signing the LEAF agreement, the state conducted workshops and preliminary consultations with indigenous people and local communities, and has committed to holding more than 30 regional workshops in the coming months to promote comprehensive and active stakeholder involvement. We have heard vocal support from indigenous leaders in Pará and we are supportive of the ongoing consultation process between the state and the many indigenous peoples and local communities in the region, which is a requirement under the agreement, before investments are made...