Discussing the valuation and protection of lands and new economies as an alternative to sustainable development is one of the aims of the International Conference on the Amazon and New Economies.
The event started last Wednesday (31st), at Hangar – Bara Convention Centre, and will continue till Friday (1st). In addition to figures such as Ban Ki-moon, the eighth Secretary of the United Nations, and Tony Blair, former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, the conference also sought to give space to producers and professionals living in the Amazon region.
With this, a small exhibition was created with the Amazonian companies in the hangar with the aim of presenting and bringing the public closer to the products that appreciate the fruits of the Amazon.
According to Ana Paula Magalhaes, tour guide and representative of the chocolate company produced in Ilha do Combo, with products such as 55% to 85% chocolate, as well as deans, nibs, bars and a range of products that come from cacao.
“The highlight of these products is that they are made in the forest, from the forest and exclusively using kombu cacao. Very sustainable that Dona Nina (the project owner) has been able to preserve, and the effects they generate indoors are as small as possible” highlighted Ana Paula.
📷 Chocolate made from cacao is produced on Kumbu Island in Belém |Ayla Beatrice Initi / Dole
Another wing that participates in the conference is producing Jean de Jumbo da Amazonia. The production uses selected jumbo flowers from family farming producers in the hinterland of Pará.
“The reception of our product itself is very good. Everyone likes it very much. These fairs are very good for us to be in. People from all over the world are here, which is very good, because this is how we bring our culture to the whole world,” she explains. Guelma Mora, company representative.
📷 Jean de Jumbo was one of the products on display at the fair. |Ayla Beatrice Initi / Dole
A sustainable and cooperative economy
Another product found at the convention uses Amazonian fruits rich in skin-recommending substances, like Andiroba, Copaiba, Cupuaçu and more, to produce everything from botanical oils to creams and butters.
According to Maria Jesus, who sold the products at the event, the products are made with great respect for nature, and appreciation for small rural producers. The entrepreneur confirmed that since the beginning of the year she felt more motivated and stressed the importance of participating in the conference to introduce the business and make contacts.
It has been very positive and productive. It’s a unique experience because we are able to make connections, you can spread the product and share our purpose, in addition to production we also have a commitment to communities, we advise you to use the family business as we encourage families located on the banks of the river or from above not to deforestation”, explained Maria.
Ana Paula also highlighted that an event like the conference allows for a lot of visibility, sharing of information and showing the sustainable work that local producers are doing.
“An event like this, on this scale, is without a doubt very important. We have managed to get a lot of vision, to bring information to all angles, to speak in a real way about what we are experiencing. Because sustainable development is so wonderful of people to come to us,” he concluded. We face a debate, but it is not easy to live with it, because you have to have sensitivity and an environmental conscience. We’re given space in a place like this that really gives the feeling that we’re on the right track.”
