British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on Friday introduced that his nation will contribute 80 million kilos ($101.15 million) to the Amazon Fund, a significant growth for Brazil because the South American nation tries to garner extra donors to the initiative aimed toward combating deforestation.

Sunak’s pledge in a gathering with Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva at 10 Downing Street follows an identical dedication by US President Joe Biden earlier this 12 months, becoming a member of earlier donors Norway and Germany.

“There are so many interests we have in common,” Sunak advised Lula on the assembly, mentioning increased commerce and the combat in opposition to local weather change. “I’m delighted to announce we might be investing in your Amazon Fund and I pay tribute to your management on this initiative.”

The prime minister later wrote on Twitter that Britain would donate 80 million kilos.

Lula thanked Sunak and mentioned it was time to “normalize” relations between the United Kingdom and Brazil, including that “much more can be done in terms of trade.”

He once more acknowledged that international locations with giant forests want help – particularly from developed nations – to guard them, whereas reaffirming Brazil’s dedication to zero deforestation by 2030.

First launched in 2009, the fund works to fight deforestation within the Amazon rainforest and spur sustainable growth. It was reactivated by Lula this 12 months after his predecessor, Jair Bolsonaro, froze it in 2019.

British setting secretary Therese Coffey had already advised Reuters in a January interview after Lula’s inauguration that Britain was contemplating becoming a member of the initiative.

Biden final month introduced that he would request from Congress $500 million over 5 years to contribute to the fund and associated actions. France and Spain have proven curiosity in contributing, based on Brazil.