Join us for a talk on how local Amazon communities can lead bioeconomy, using examples from agroforestry, fishing, and beekeeping. We’ll explore both the opportunities and challenges they face and discuss how global partnerships, especially with countries like Germany, can help support these efforts. 

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Socio-bioeconomy is emerging as a crucial solution in addressing the ongoing climate crisis. Yet, indigenous and local communities in the Amazon face significant challenges in advancing these practices. This event, “Challenges of Socio-Bioeconomy,” will take place at the Brazilian Embassy in Berlin as part of the Amazon Week (Semana da Amazônia). It aims to bring these communities into conversation with a global audience, exploring pathways for partnerships that can foster a sustainable future. For more information, visit the full program here: Semana da Amazônia

Through this exchange, we aim to enhance global understanding of the realities faced by Amazonian communities and create opportunities for new collaborations. We recognize the necessity of transitioning to a community-led socio-bioeconomy by accelerating fair and just local transitions, developing innovative and sustainable value chains, and sharing platforms that foster these initiatives. 

Speakers will join us virtually from the Amazon, providing firsthand insights into the challenges and potential solutions for building supply chains driven by indigenous and river communities. We will focus on two regions in the State of Amazonas: Alto Solimões and Médio Juruá. Following these presentations, the event will facilitate a dialogue between participants from the Amazon and Germany, encouraging questions and answers to build connections and partnerships. 

Socio-bioeconomy has become a crucial pathway toward a sustainable future for the Amazon. By fostering an economy that leverages the region’s rich biodiversity and the traditional knowledge of its Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IP and LCs), we can create a powerful alternative that brings these communities together with external stakeholders. This approach not only ensures that IP and LCs are active participants in shaping solutions but also safeguards their rights and well-being in the Amazon 

Our goal is to demonstrate to countries in the Global North, like Germany, the vast potential for developing supply chains through fair partnerships that have a positive social and environmental impact on the Amazon. Developing socio-bioeconomic models that empower IP and LCs to create their own products and services while honoring their self-determination, rights, cultural practices, and values. This approach aims to enhance their quality of life and well-being according to their own definitions and standards. 

Panel Discussions:

1. Pirarucu Fishing – Exploring challenges and opportunities in conservation.
   Moderator: Priscila Terenzi, Ka’a Harmony Foundation gUG
   Panelists:
   • Roney Elias, Journalist at Rede Amazônica
   • João Vitor Campos Silva, President, Instituto Juruá
   • Maria Julia Ferreira, Researcher, Instituto Juruá
2. Building Regenerative Supply Chains – Indigenous leaders share expertise on stingless bee cultivation and agroforestry.
   Moderator: Ana Rosa, Meli Bees Network 
   Panelists:
   • Derek Gallo, AWY Superfoods
   • Arukapé Suruí, Indigenous Leader & Lucas Bevilaqua, Agroforestry Specialist
   • Orlando, Local Meliponiculture Expert & William Bercê, Meliponiculture Specialist