IIED report on green economy in Amapá State, Brazil

Exploring national approaches to Green Economy

After the 2012 Rio Summit, GEC member IIED entered into a collaboration with the Amapá State government to investigate locally appropriate versions of green economy and governance.

The project included:

• Multi-stakeholder dialogues on what green economy might mean for Amapá.
• High-level meetings with Amapá’s governor and cabinet members.
• A field visit by Amapá’s governor and cabinet members to Amazonas to witness institutional and field experiences of green economy policies in practice.
• Technical studies on the opportunities and barriers to a green economy in Amapá.

IIED's June 2014 report outlines the initial progress achieved in Amapá State so far.

Amapá's green economy policy developments have primarily concentrated on specific sector opportunities and problems: mining, infrastructure, energy, agriculture and forestry. At an economy-wide level, green economy will require a more comprehensive reform of economic governance to incorporate social and environmental value. 

A range of specific policy instruments that can help to mainstream green economy have been proposed by IIED.

1. Government expenditure: The size of the public sector in Amapá means that a green public expenditure review would have a substantial greening impact on the local economy.
2. Shift incentives towards green: Resource pricing and taxation changes can shift the fiscal burden and ensure that polluters pay, green funds attract long-term investors, and that local green best practices are highlighted and incentivised.
3. Integration mechanisms: Ensuring ‘green’ and ‘inclusive’ are part of the business as usual of government and enterprise. Natural capital accounting, combined ecological and social business metrics, strategic environmental assessments, and multi-stakeholder green forums can all help integrate green into social institutions.