In the heart of the Amazon rainforest lies the community of Tumbira, nestled within the Rio Negro Sustainable Development Reserve, a two-hour boat ride away from the bustling city of Manaus. Here, on a serene Tuesday morning, a transformative event unfolded – the inaugural workshop of the ‘Banzeiro da Esperança’ project. This initiative, a collaboration between the Sustainable Amazon Foundation (FAS) and the Amazon Network Foundation, marked the beginning of a profound journey to listen to the voices of traditional populations living in the forest and grappling with the impacts of climate change.
Virgílio Viana, the superintendent of FAS, eloquently captured the essence of the project’s mission, stating, “The goal is to comprehend the challenges and solutions of these communities and bring their voices to COP30, providing them with support to better cope with extreme weather events.” This pilot workshop, held in Tumbira, is just the first step in a series of approximately 1,900 planned gatherings set to take place until November. These meetings aim to collect insights and proposals from riverine and indigenous communities across the Amazon, culminating in a presentation at COP30, the UN climate conference scheduled to convene in Belém, Brazil, with delegates from 190 nations in attendance.
As participants engaged in the activities, children, teenagers, and young adults delved into discussions on identity, belonging, and environmental preservation. Enoque Ventura from FAS emphasized the importance of providing a platform for these young voices to be heard, underscoring, “These workshops demonstrate how deeply concerned the youth are about the future.” One young student, Gabriel Oliveira, shared his aspirations, expressing, “I want people to understand the significance of keeping the forest alive for future generations.”
The upcoming workshops are set to unfold in municipalities such as Parintins, Amazonas, and Alter do Chão, Pará, each serving as a vital platform for community dialogue and engagement. A culminating panel will take place in Belém aboard the vessel of the ‘Amazon I Want’ project, bringing together diverse perspectives and insights gathered throughout this expansive listening initiative.
Phelippe Daou Júnior, the CEO of the Amazon Network Foundation, emphasized the alignment of this project with the core principles of the organization, affirming, “This initiative authentically brings the forest’s voice to COP30.” Through the fusion of community engagement, environmental stewardship, and youth empowerment, the ‘Banzeiro da Esperança’ endeavor stands as a beacon of hope, bridging local wisdom with global climate action.
As the project unfolds, it not only amplifies the voices of those living in harmony with the Amazon but also underscores the urgent need for inclusive, community-driven solutions in addressing the escalating climate crisis. The ripple effect of this initiative extends beyond the boundaries of Tumbira, echoing a resounding call for collaborative efforts to safeguard our planet’s precious ecosystems. In a world grappling with environmental challenges, the ‘Banzeiro da Esperança’ project serves as a testament to the power of unity, resilience, and collective action in shaping a sustainable future for all.
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