Discover the “Nature-Positive Food at COP30” project, run by the Socio-Bioeconomy Business Association (ASSOBIO)
In 2025, the city of Belém will host the 30th UN Climate Conference (COP30), offering a unique opportunity to place the Amazon at the center of global discussions on sustainability and innovative practices. An unprecedented initiative by the Socio-Bioeconomy Business Association (ASSOBIO), supported by Fundo Vale, is working to implement the “Nature-Positive Food at COP30” project. This initiative aims to ensure that all food served at the event is sourced from low-carbon production models and the Amazonian socio-bioeconomy.
“We want to demonstrate at COP30 that environmentally friendly food is not only good for the planet but also supports producers and end consumers. Our entrepreneurs source raw materials from the bioeconomy in various protected areas across the Amazon. This reflects our commitment to nature and the local economy, and the conference will be a great opportunity to bring this message to the attention of more people,” says Paulo Monteiro dos Reis, the president of ASSOBIO.
The idea is to serve ecologically responsible food during the conference, sourced from small and medium-sized producers and traditional communities whose production models prioritize biodiversity conservation and forest preservation. This approach to food will be both a novelty and a key differentiator at COP30 in Belém.
“In Brazil, 73% of carbon emissions are linked to land use, agricultural production and deforestation. We want to show that it’s possible to promote food production that preserves biodiversity and values Amazonian cultures. Our region is home to traditional communities, extractive producers, indigenous peoples and riverside dwellers who produce food in their own unique ways. That’s why we want to discuss how best to strengthen, finance and provide technical assistance to these producers,” Reis explains.
Challenges and opportunities
Despite being known for its rich cuisine, Belém faces a paradox: much of its food is imported from other states, and there is no comprehensive plan to promote sustainable food systems or strengthen ties with local producers. This reliance reflects structural challenges in the region, such as poor logistics and a lack of public policies to support sustainable production.
Key challenges for the project include improving logistical infrastructure, providing technical assistance and integrating public policies that encourage sustainable production while reducing pesticide use.
“The production, distribution, trade and consumption chain for sustainable food in Belém is still underdeveloped. Small local producers lack technical assistance and resources, and logistics remains a major challenge. Additionally, there is limited demand for sustainable food in restaurants, hotels and supermarkets, and public policies are fragmented across federal, state and municipal governments. Through this project, we aim to accelerate solutions to these issues,” says Reis.
The Nature-Positive Food initiative, supported by the Regenera Institute and the Food of Tomorrow Institute, seeks to strengthen local production by connecting small producers and traditional communities to the market opportunities created by COP30.
“COP30 is a unique opportunity to show the world the importance of strengthening the socio-bioeconomy and promoting sustainable, regenerative production practices in the Amazon to reduce emissions. We believe this will be a defining feature of the conference,” says Márcia Soares, Fundo Vale’s partnerships and Amazon manager.
Legacy for the Amazon
The initiative promises to leave a lasting legacy for the Amazon, transforming the region into an economic model with positive social and environmental impacts. The conference is expected to boost the local socio-bioeconomy by promoting the adoption of environmentally friendly food in public procurement – such as school meals – and in the supply chains of supermarkets, hotels and restaurants. Furthermore, it will strengthen governance among producers, while the logistical and distribution structures developed for the event will continue to benefit the local economy long after COP30.
Methodologies will be implemented to monitor results and ensure a lasting legacy. The goal is for the lessons learned in Belém to serve as a model for other international events, solidifying the Amazon as a global benchmark for sustainability and conscious food practices.
About ASSOBIO
Made up of 75 members across various sectors, ASSOBIO is a representative institution that works to promote sustainable businesses whose production chains are tied to the Amazon region. It integrates socioeconomic and environmental aspects, fostering responsible business practices that balance economic development with the preservation of the Amazon ecosystem and the well-being of local communities.