Forum discusses alternatives to restore biomes and produce sustainable food
The event has a large participation of family farmers, public managers, and representatives of civil society organizations
With a full auditorium throughout the day, the International Forum on Family Farming and Traditional Communities promoted intense debates on sustainable solutions for food production and the restoration of Brazilian biomes. The event, held at Embrapa Eastern Amazon, is part of the institution's special programming during COP30.
In the afternoon, the panel "Agroforestry Systems and Inclusive Restoration: Alternatives for Climate Transition" brought together experts from different institutions and countries. Moderated by Débora Veiga (Embrapa), participants included Vicente Cirino (Institute of Life in Syn-tropy of the Amazon), Ivanice Carvalho (Department of Agricultural Development and Fisheries of Pará - Sedap), Juan Pablo Puentes (ONF Andina), and Anabele Gomes (Cerrado Seed Network).
With significant participation from family farmers, public managers, and representatives of civil society organizations, the panelists presented experiences of agroforestry systems (SAFs) that combine food production, environmental recovery, and income generation — including integrated management initiatives with sustainable livestock, implemented in regions of Colombia.
Another highlight was the concept of inclusive ecological restoration, which values the protagonism of local communities at all stages of the process. This approach recognizes and integrates traditional knowledge, promoting social, economic, and environmental benefits. One example comes from the Cerrado, the most biodiverse savanna on the planet, which is home to about 12,600 species in an area equivalent to half of the Amazon.
"We need to think of the country as a whole, uniting biomes and seeking joint solutions that strengthen the national territory," emphasized Anabele Gomes, president of the Cerrado Seed Network.
“When we combine ancestral knowledge, public policies, and cooperation between governments and communities, we can face the climate crisis and return to our territories stronger,” added Vicente Cirino from the Institute of Life in Syn-tropy of the Amazon.
Production chains and agro-industrialization
Another panel, moderated by Lucionila Pimentel, director of Plant Defense and Inspection at the Agricultural Defense Agency of the State of Pará (Adepará), presented successful experiences of agro-industrialization and strengthening of production chains in different regions of Pará and Minas Gerais, revealing the strength of cooperatives and associations.
The discussions highlighted the importance of adding value to family farming products as a path to the economic autonomy of rural communities.
For the Secretary of Family Farming of Pará, Cássio Pereira, "The impacts of climate change are already evident, transforming food systems on the planet, and the strategies adopted by family farmers and traditional communities to produce food and conserve forests are the most adapted"
Forum programming and objectives
Over five days, the International Forum on Family Farming and Traditional Communities will hold 14 panels with more than 80 national and international experts. The programming addresses central themes for the future of family farming and traditional peoples in the face of the climate emergency, such as climate resilience, water resource management, family succession, rural youth, energy, connectivity, and agroforestry systems.
The event is organized by IPAM, Semas, the Secretary of Family Farming, and the Government of Pará, with the support of Embrapa Eastern Amazon.
Service:
International Forum on Family Farming and Traditional Communities
From November 13 to 17, at AgriZone – Condurú Auditorium, Embrapa Eastern Amazon (Travessa Dr. Enéas Pinheiro, Belém-PA)
Complete programming, access here.
