Brasília hosted, on May 6 and 7, the Guidelines Workshop for the Preparation of the Annual Operational Plan (AOP) 3 of Phase 2 of the Amazon Sustainable Landscapes Project (ASL Brasil). The event brought together the project’s key partners to align guidelines, goals, and strategies that will guide its actions in the coming months until the end of 2026.
Participants included focal points responsible for planning and implementing activities in priority areas within the Operational Units of the states of Acre, Amazonas, Pará, and Rondônia, as well as representatives of priority territories—the Middle Juruá Territory Forum and the Baixo Rio Negro Mosaic Council. While these two entities are currently engaged in dialogue with the project, ASL Brasil is committed to expanding this engagement throughout implementation, recognizing the diversity of territorial representation in the Amazon.
The workshop also included representatives from the Project Coordination Unit (PCU/MMA), the implementing agency Fundação Getulio Vargas (FGV), and the World Bank.
The first day began with the institutional opening and presentation of the workshop objectives, followed by a contextual overview of the transition from Phase 1 to Phase 2 of the project.
A structured discussion then took place around thematic strategic guidelines, focusing on four priority pillars: integrated management and territorial governance; implementation of protected areas not covered by ARPA; restoration and natural regeneration; and gender inclusion. Each topic was introduced by project specialists, followed by discussions with participants.
Next, rotating panel sessions enabled participants to contribute directly with suggestions and reflections on challenges, lessons learned, and refinements to strategic activities planned for each thematic guideline. This moment was crucial to aligning perspectives and strengthening the collective construction of actions for Phase 2.
Still on the first day, there was a discussion on the policy framework for Indigenous Peoples in the context of ASL Brazil Phase 2, reaffirming the project’s commitment to safeguards and to the inclusion and respect for the cultural and territorial specificities of these peoples.
On the second day, the Stakeholder Engagement Plan (SEP) was presented, with an emphasis on aspects related to social and environmental safeguards. The Indigenous policy framework discussion was also revisited.
Fabíola Mendes, Safeguards Coordinator for ASL Brazil Phase 2 at FGV, emphasized that “…the safeguards of the ASL Project reinforce and acknowledge what Amazonian communities have done for generations: caring for the forest and for people. In Phase 2, this commitment deepens through active listening, valuing local knowledge, and promoting equity—especially for women, youth, and Indigenous peoples. These are instruments of social and environmental justice that ensure sustainable development is built together with those who live in and protect the Amazon. That is the approach we are committed to. Ensuring that every activity carried out in the territories aligns with the principles of care, dignity, and appreciation of the true guardians of the forest.”
Subsequently, a technical deep dive into planning tools was conducted, including a discussion on best practices for developing Annual Operational Plans (AOPs), based on lessons from the previous phase. The criteria and methodology for evaluating AOPs were also presented, along with the expected structure—spreadsheets, forms, and delivery timelines.
Participants engaged in a hands-on exercise using AOP templates, which provided greater familiarity with the management tools that will be used in Phase 2. Marcus Mendes, Project Manager for Phase 2 of ASL Brazil at FGV, highlighted that the practical exercises based on the AOP guidelines and templates were a core part of the workshop. “This activity allowed participants not only to understand the objectives, goals, and technical structure of the AOP, but also to take ownership of the essential tools for planning and monitoring actions in Phase 2. Familiarity with these tools is crucial to ensure coherence between strategic guidelines and practical execution.”
An important discussion also took place around strategies to catalyze the implementation of the AOP, covering everything from stakeholder mobilization to action execution. According to Marcus Mendes, the debate was particularly enriching, ranging from the engagement of local and institutional stakeholders to the operational challenges of implementing the planned actions. There was a consensus that the success of this new phase is directly tied to effective coordination between technical planning and implementation capacity, always with a focus on tangible, transformative results for the landscapes and communities involved.
The procedures for acquisitions and hiring were also detailed, with an emphasis on deadlines, professional profiles, and administrative processes. Additionally, the Monday tool—used for monitoring AOP implementation—was presented.
Finally, the quarterly evaluation model was discussed, highlighting the criteria for tracking activities and the technical reporting flow of indicators. The workshop concluded with the agreement on deadlines and next steps toward the final approval of the AOPs, followed by an evaluation of the workshop and review of the recorded follow-ups.
The workshop represented a key step in ensuring institutional, technical, and participatory alignment toward the effective implementation of Phase 2 of the Amazon Sustainable Landscapes Project, reinforcing the commitment to environmental conservation and sustainability in all its dimensions.
For more information about the agenda, thematic guidelines, and support materials, click here:
https://linktr.ee/oficinaPOA_ASL2
Learn more:
https://asl-brasil.fgv.br/
https://www.gov.br/mma/pt-br/composicao/sbio/projeto-paisagens-sustentaveis-da-amazonia-asl-brasil
About the ASL Brazil Project
The Amazon Sustainable Landscapes Project (ASL Brazil) is a Federal Government initiative, in partnership with state and municipal governments, that has advanced efforts to promote conservation and sustainable development in the Amazon.
Coordinated by the Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change (MMA) through the National Secretariat for Biodiversity, Forests, and Animal Rights (SBIO/MMA), the project is implemented by Conservation International (CI-Brazil) and the Brazilian Biodiversity Fund (Funbio) in Phase 1, and by Fundação Getulio Vargas (FGV Europe) in Phases 2 and 3, in partnership with federal, state, and municipal environmental agencies in the states of Acre, Amazonas, Pará, and Rondônia.
ASL Brazil aims to create and expand Protected Areas (PAs), strengthen their management, and increase their funding, contributing to the connectivity between these areas. To achieve this, the project invests in the ARPA Transition Fund, in tools for integrated landscape management, and in strengthening community governance.
Additionally, it supports the restoration of degraded areas through direct investments and by strengthening the native vegetation restoration value chain. Biodiversity conservation is promoted through community-based initiatives, while sustainable value chains and community tourism are encouraged to generate income and improve the quality of life of local communities.
The project also contributes to the development and strengthening of public policies for vegetation protection and recovery and promotes capacity building and regional cooperation.
ASL Brazil is part of the regional ASL Program, implemented by the World Bank and funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF), which includes projects in Brazil, Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Peru, and Suriname. Together, these projects aim to improve integrated landscape management in the Amazon.
The actions of the ASL Brazil Project contribute to 12 of the 23 targets of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 10, 11, 21, 22, and 23.