Belém gains Gastronomy Warehouse at Porto Futuro
Legacy of COP30 values local cuisine and boosts Pará culture
In a milestone for valuing Pará's culture and economy, the Government of Pará delivered this Saturday (4), the Gastronomy Warehouse, located in warehouse 4 of the newly revitalized Porto Futuro Complex. The inauguration, which was attended by Governor Helder Barbalho and Vice Governor Hana Ghassan, represents one of the main legacies of the 30th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30) for the capital of Pará, consolidating a new hub of tourism, culture, and bioeconomy in the region.
The new space, designed to promote immersion in the rich cuisine of Pará and the Amazon, brings together 15 local fast food operations, offering a diverse experience that highlights the flavors of the region. The initiative aims not only to value the local gastronomic identity but also to foster the creative economy, generating opportunities for entrepreneurs and workers in the sector.
Governor Helder Barbalho highlighted the economic and tourist importance of the Porto Futuro Complex works for Belém, emphasizing its role in the context of major events and, above all, in valuing the city for the enjoyment of the population.
On the occasion, he also announced the upcoming deliveries at the Porto Futuro Complex - the Bioeconomy Park (on the 7th) and the Cultural Box (on the 8th) - and invited those present to the leisure activities that will take place at Nova Doca (on the 5th, starting at 5 PM).
“Entirely, the works of the Porto Futuro Complex are resources from the State Government. And we adopted a governance and management strategy to expedite these works, using the resources from the mining tax, therefore, from a wealth of the State of Pará, which often remained distant, for this wealth to reach the population,” he informed.
Regarding COP 30, the governor announced that there are 55,000 registered participants and 163 countries that have already confirmed their presence. Helder Barbalho concluded his speech encouraging the population to take advantage of the Porto Futuro Complex. “Belém opens its doors to this fantastic space. Let us be happy in the capital of the Amazon, with great pride for all of us who have the opportunity to live here.”
PORTO FUTURO
The Gastronomy Warehouse is part of the Porto Futuro Complex, which comprises five restored and requalified historic warehouses on the banks of the Guajará Bay. The 50,000 square meter complex preserves the original architecture from the early 20th century, combining it with contemporary and sustainable design. The metal structure, imported from England, was maintained and painted in its original oxide red tone, while the rest of the building was modernized using glass and materials that refer to the local culture.
The beauty of the enterprise was praised by chef Ângela Sicilia, who brings Italian-Amazonian cuisine to the Gastronomy Warehouse with the restaurant Si Sa. “For us, it has been very gratifying and, at the same time, challenging. But we believe that, because it is such a beautiful place, made with so much love and care… It is something that Belém has never seen before,” she says. For her, the Gastronomy Warehouse has managed to “exceed any expectations.”
PORTO FUTURO
Porto Futuro is a central piece in the state government's investment package for COP30, which includes more than 30 structural works. In addition to the gastronomic hub, the complex will house other important cultural and innovation facilities, reinforcing the commitment to a lasting legacy for the population.
COP30
The delivery of the complex occurs at a strategic moment, preceding the Leaders' Summit and the COP30 itself, events that are expected to attract around 50,000 participants to Belém in November. The project prepares the city to host the largest climate event on the planet and transforms the relationship of Belém residents with their waterfront, offering new spaces for leisure, culture, and economic development.
The growth of the local economy was highlighted by the operations coordinator of the ice cream shop Maioca, Cândida Santos. “We hired more than 15 people to join us due to the COP. So, the COP is an opportunity for many people,” she states. According to her, more than just expanding job opportunities, the works due to the Conference consolidate new chances for development for the State. “The COP came to add many legacies, many works here in Pará. I am sure that the benefits will last for many, many years,” she declared.
Text by Bianca Leão
