Writings By Jason Gray

Home » 2020

Yearly Archives: 2020

Loss of a Friend and Leader – Robinson Lopez

August 23, 2020 1:14 am / Leave a comment

Last night, I learned that a friend of mine – an amazing, young indigenous leader in the Colombian Amazon – was taken from his family, and the world, much too early by this terrible virus. He fought for indigenous rights, against the destruction of forests and climate change, for equity and partnership, and for a better world. Tears seem hollow in the face not only of this loss, but in the face of the continuing loss of indigenous leaders who are confronting the pandemic and the historic devastation of their lands and cultures by so many other forces. The virus is wrecking havoc all around the world, and is especially terrible in indigenous territories where support is often lacking. In honor of my friend, Robinson Lopez, and in profound sadness, solidarity, and respect for his family, please join me in listening and learning about this emergency here and here and contributing what you can to causes such as this and this. 
Amazing tributes are circulating nearly every minute.  Here’s one I’m proud to have contributed to from the Governors’ Climate and Forests Task Force Global Committee for Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities.
Peace, brother. Your fight and spirit will continue.
118319614_10158711329714913_6379376232454630983_n

Joint action needed to protect vulnerable populations against COVID19 in Tropical Forest regions

May 3, 2020 12:03 am / Leave a comment

One of the privileges of the last decade of my career working on climate change and government partnerships has been to participate in an incredibly innovative partnership called the Governors’ Climate and Forests Task Force. This subnational collaboration of 38 states and provinces from 10 countries works to protect tropical forests, reduce greenhouse gas emissions from deforestation and forest degradation, and promote realistic pathways to forest-maintaining rural development.

As with many of us, GCF Task Force states and provinces, indigenous peoples, and local communities are facing devastating impacts from COVID-19, in particular in rural areas and indigenous territories. Many of the GCF Task Force states and provinces are taking leadership initiatives on the front lines of this pandemic, including seeking support from the Secretary General of the United Nations.

The GCF Task Force as a partnership is echoing this urgent request for support, including seeking to help identify medical equipment (ventilators, masks, rapid tests), logistical and telemedicine support, and early warning systems for rural areas. The GCF Task Force Secretariat, based at the University of Colorado Boulder, is also able to direct financial support to COVID-19 efforts on the ground in many of the states and provinces.

As we confront a changed world and its impacts on our families and our communities, the power of partnerships is more important than ever for our climate and forests, our public health and economy, and our humanity. I urge everyone to explore the incredible partnerships within the GCF Task Force, to read the UN letter referenced above, and to support in any way you can.

Find out more about the GCF Task Force here.

For those interested in donating support for COVID-19 response efforts in tropical members of the GCF Task Force, you can do so here.

Update: You can also directly support COVID-19 relief efforts of COICA (Coordinating Body of Indigenous Peoples of the Amazon Basin), a critical partner of the GCF Task Force and a guiding force for indigenous leadership in the Amazon Basin, here https://www.amazonemergencyfund.org

GCF Task Force Picture