New York, Dec 7 (TIWN) The Wildlife Conservation Society is scaling up conservation efforts in the Congo Basin and Andean-Amazon countries, with $60 million in support from the Bezos Earth Fund to work in partnership with governments, Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLCs) and other organisations.

The Earth Fund announced $20 million for WCS's efforts in the Andes-Amazon and $40 million for WCS's efforts in the Congo Basin to support the conservation and preservation of at least 30 per cent of the planet by 2030, also known as 30x30.  Studies show that protected areas are one of the most cost-effective ways to safeguard nature, protect vulnerable human populations, and tackle climate change, provided they are located in the most important places, are well-managed, and respect the rights and needs of IPLCs.