9 months ago
Brazil's Belem Pioneers Bioeconomy to Protect Amazon Rainforest
Belem, Brazil, is trying to protect the Amazon rainforest by finding new ways to make money from it.
Instead of cutting down trees for farms or mines, they're turning forest products like acai and Brazil nuts into things people around the world want to buy.
This helps the local economy and keeps the rainforest healthy.
Belem, Brazil, hosts COP30 climate summit to showcase sustainable economy
Para state unveils R&D program to transform forest products into global goods
Bioeconomy and Innovation Park opened to develop new products from Amazon's biodiversity
Acai, Brazil nuts, and other forest products can generate significant income and jobs
Bioeconomy can pay 3-7 times better than traditional industries like soybean farming or ranching
- Who
- The state government of Para, Brazil, led by Governor Helder Barbalho
- What
- Unveiled a research and development program to transform forest products into global goods
- Where
- Belem, Brazil, on the banks of the Guama River
- When
- In 2023, ahead of hosting the COP30 climate summit
- Why
- To reduce dependence on extractive, greenhouse gas-emitting industries and value the living forest
Environmentalists
Economic Developers
Forest Preservation
Environmentalists
Prioritize environmental protection and biodiversity
Economic Developers
Balance environmental concerns with economic growth
Key facts
- Program Name
- Bioeconomy and Innovation Park
- Funding
- 300 million real ($56.29 million)
- Acai Market Projection (2024-2032)
- From $1.23 billion to $3.09 billion
- Acai Price Increase
- From $3-$3.50 to $11 per pot in five years
- Families Helped by NOSSA! AÇAÍ
- 150 local producers and 50 with technical assistance
Quotes
Helder Barbalho
Governor of Para state
“Our intention is for Para to turn its forest assets into a new strategic sector that transforms our biodiversity into a new economy. This will help us reduce dependence on extractive, greenhouse gas-emitting industries in favor of low-emission economies that value the living forest.”
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Leonardo Souza
Local chef who used the new park’s labs to scale up production of artisanal salt flavored with Amazonian herbs
“We worked with 42 families supplying herbs. Now it will be around 200.”
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Paula Caballero
The Nature Conservancy’s Latin America director
“This is not a niche market. This can be very muscular.”
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Damien Binois
Founder of NOSSA! AÇAÍ, exporting acai to Europe
“Income for acai producers is very good because prices have risen significantly due to market growth.”
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Sarah Sampaio
Director of NGO Amazonia Agroflorestal, helping small farmers grow organic coffee
“We offer free soil preparation, coffee and native seedlings, and technical assistance.”
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Bete Cheirosinha
Fifth-generation herb seller at Ver-o-Peso market
“There are more than a thousand types of herbs, each with a meaning, each curing a problem.”
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Allison Charles
Vendor of cassava flour at Ver-o-Peso market
“We awaken memories. That’s rewarding.”
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Sources
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