The Last Flying River of the Amazon project represents a transformative opportunity to protect one of Earth’s most critical ecosystems. Flying rivers are essential for maintaining the planet’s water cycle, supporting agriculture, and combating climate change. By valuing these ecosystem services and collaborating with key stakeholders and local governments, this project aims to ensure the northern Amazon remains intact and interconnected and is protected and expanded, thus ensuring the rainfall needed for the region.
The Initiative
The Last Flying River of the Amazon project is an initiative aimed at economically assessing, quantifying, and valuing the critical ecosystem services provided by the Amazon’s northern region, the last contiguous stretch of non-degraded rainforest. This vital area generates 20% of the world’s rainfall and 70% of Latin America’s precipitation. The Amazon rainforest, known for its immense biodiversity and carbon storage, also supports "flying rivers"—massive areas of water vapor generated through
transpiration and evaporation. These natural phenomena are integral to global weather patterns, food security, and water stability. The region is a biodiversity hotspot and serves as a lifeline for global interconnected systems.
However, degradation of this ecosystem risks catastrophic social, economic, and ecological consequences. Between 1985 and 2021, the Amazon lost an area of rainforest equivalent to three times the size of the UK, with deforestation continuing at alarming rates. This project emphasizes collaboration with local communities, governments, and international organizations to ensure culturally appropriate
and sustainable conservation strategies.
The project will be showcased at key global events, starting with the Meeting of the Northern Amazon Country Heads of State in August 2025. Subsequently, it will be presented at COP30 in November 2025 to mobilize international support and additional investment in the protection and restoration of the Amazon.
Target Investment
Blue Green Future is working alongside in-country partner Gaia Amazonas to produce the valuation, scope and support additional scientific case studies across Brazil and the region, develop investment vehicles and regional policy solutions. The overall project is seeking $5 million in philanthropic funding.
