Event was attended by around 80 innovative ventures supported by the two programs
Photo: CESUPA
The Amazon Entrepreneurship Program, implemented by Pará University Center (CESUPA) as part of the Global Restoration Factory initiative, and the Bioeconomy Synapse Program, which is part of the Amazon Journey, joined forces to hold the biggest ever trade show for innovative and sustainable businesses in the Amazon, involving 80 enterprises related to the region’s biome. The free event took place on August 2 in Belém and was attended by initiatives from a wide variety of sectors, which are developing products, solutions and technologies aimed at generating competitiveness for preserved areas of forest.
Of the 71 businesses supported by the Amazon Journey, through the Bioeconomy Synapse, 66 took part in the trade show. The Bioeconomy Synapse Program is conducted by the CERTI Foundation and CERTI Amazon, and supported financially by Fundo Vale, Bradesco, Itaú Unibanco and Santander. It offers support, training and financial grants to transform innovative ideas into concrete businesses.
The other businesses taking part in the fair came from the Amazon Entrepreneurship Program, an incubation scheme run by the German government, coordinated by the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) in collaboration with Bridge for Billions, implemented by CESUPA and supported by Fundo Vale, the CERTI Foundation and Partnerships for Forests (P4F).
“By supporting initiatives such as the Amazon Journey and Amazon Entrepreneurship Program, we are contributing to the creation of new business models that value preserved forests, generate a positive impact on local communities and drive the transition to a sustainable, regenerative economy that helps mitigate the climate crisis,” said Márcia Soares, Fundo Vale’s partnerships and Amazon manager.
“The fair highlighted a new generation of recently created businesses, which demonstrates the dynamism, plurality and potential of the region. What’s more, for the city that will host COP 30 next year, it was a powerful showcase for businesses and trends in the innovative bioeconomy market. These ventures harness forest products, offer solutions to avoid deforestation and carbon emissions, and make a positive contribution to the climate. They are run by innovative entrepreneurs who are solving problems in the bioeconomy’s value chains, increasing their efficiency and competitiveness,” said Janice Maciel, coordinator of the Amazon Journey and green economy manager at CERTI.
“The bioeconomy represents a promising solution and a strong alternative to deforestation and environmental degradation because it offers a path to development, generating income through inclusive and sustainable practices. The development of programs to support sustainable entrepreneurship such as the Amazon Entrepreneurship Program is crucial to boosting the bioeconomy,” said Alberto Pacheco Capella, head of UNEP’s office in Brazil.