Artisanal chocolate produced with support from Emater delights the public during the Amazon Climate Week

The 70% chocolate tasted by advertising professional Yasmin Paixão, 37, during the programming of the Amazon Climate Week, originates from the heart of the Pará forest. Produced at Sítio Arauaia in Barcarena, the cocoa that gives rise to the delicacy is sustainably cultivated in an agroforestry system by a farming family supported by Emater-Pará for almost a decade.

"It has a different flavor, reminiscent of nature, of essence. It is a privilege to experience something so rich in tradition," highlighted Yasmin while visiting the booth of the Arauaia Cacau de Origem brand at the fair set up at Estação das Docas, the main venue of the event.

The producer responsible is farmer Elene Elda Mota, 30, who participates in the Climate Week through the Community-Based Tourism project in Barcarena, an initiative of the Hydro Sustainability Fund in partnership with the Peabiru Institute. At her booth, in addition to chocolate, the producer also presents the Amazonian cocoa cream – affectionately called "forest nutella" – and caramelized cocoa beans, which have been enchanting both Brazilian and foreign visitors.

Sustainability in practice - Located on the banks of the Arauaia River, on Arapari Island, Elene cultivates two and a half hectares of native cocoa and açaí, intercropped with cupuaçu, in an agroecological system that also offers ecological trails for sustainable tourism. The property is technically supported by Emater, which also facilitated the family's access to rural credit of R$ 8,000 through the Acredita line from Banco da Amazônia (Basa).

"Emater is an invaluable support. They are always with us, opening paths, expanding opportunities, promoting inclusion, and helping in the dissemination and commercialization of our products," emphasized Elene.

Commitment to the future - During the official opening of the Climate Week at the Teatro Maria Sylvia Nunes, Governor Helder Barbalho reinforced Pará's prominence in the environmental agenda and the importance of creating a culture of climate awareness.

"We are leading a transformation in society. The environmental agenda is now present in schools, homes, and everyday conversations. When a culture is created, awareness is generated," stated the governor.

The Amazon Climate Week is one of the main preparatory stages for the 30th United Nations Conference on Climate Change (COP-30), which will be held in Belém in November 2025. The event is the result of collaboration between civil society, the private sector, and government entities, with master sponsorship from Hydro and support from institutions such as the Government of Pará, the City Hall of Belém, and the Federal Government.

Text: Aline Miranda (Emater)