Bioeconomy Initiative on Combu Island Receives Visit from German Minister

The Deputy Secretary of Bioeconomy of Semas, Camille Bemerguy, and the Secretary of Indigenous Peoples of Pará, Puyr Tembé, accompanied the visit of the German Minister, Reem Alabalad Rvan, to Combu Island this Sunday (9) in Belém. For the first time in Latin America, to participate in COP 30 (30th World Conference on Climate Change), the minister came to closely observe successful examples of bioeconomy in Pará.

The delegation visited the Casa de Chocolate – Filha do Combu, conceived and owned by Pará native Izete Costa, better known as Dona Nena. "The meeting symbolizes international recognition of the region's potential as a living laboratory for sustainable solutions and reinforces the credibility of initiatives that unite environmental preservation, income generation, and technological innovation," said Camille Bemerguy.

Camille added: "In addition to the symbolism, the presence of the German authority strengthens bilateral relations and can open new fronts for technical and financial cooperation around ecological transition. The visit enhances the global visibility of Amazonian bioeconomy, attracting investors, scientists, and policymakers interested in development models based on standing forests — a strategic step towards consolidating the Amazon as a protagonist of the global green economy," she emphasized.

The State Government has been working on the development of sustainable economies and strengthening indigenous peoples. The Filha do Combu chocolate factory was one of the beneficiaries of the Financial Cooperation Project between the Government of Pará and the German Development Bank (KfW Bankengruppe), the Standing Forest project (Realiza Para).

Traditional Values and Bioeconomy - the promotion of bioeconomy is directly linked to environmental preservation and the traditional values of Amazonian native communities. Camille Bemerguy reinforced the work being carried out by the State Government and Semas in valuing and uniting these traditions and bioeconomy.

“Semas acts as a fundamental link between environmental preservation, the strengthening of bioeconomy, and the appreciation of traditional knowledge in Pará. Through public policies and programs aimed at sustainable territorial management, Semas seeks to integrate economic development with the conservation of ecosystems and the cultural appreciation of local communities, especially indigenous peoples, quilombolas, and riverside dwellers, who are guardians of essential knowledge for the responsible use of natural resources. This work translates into actions such as supporting sustainable production chains, encouraging community forest management practices, certifying products from sociobiodiversity, and promoting research and innovation in bioeconomy. Semas also plays a central role in environmental regulation and monitoring, ensuring that economic growth in the Amazon occurs with respect for the environment and traditional ways of life, promoting a development model that combines science, culture, and conservation.”

For Semas, COP 30 in Belém is an opportunity to strengthen relationships and consolidate partnerships. The visit of the German minister contributes to expanding dialogue focused on new international investments and sustainable development.

“Undoubtedly, the visit comes at a strategic moment, on the eve of COP30, and strengthens the dialogue between the government of Pará and Germany around new cooperation agreements for sustainable development. There are already joint initiatives, such as projects to strengthen environmental governance, monitor forest cover, and promote bioeconomy, developed with the support of German institutions, such as KfW and GIZ. The goal is to expand these partnerships, attracting new investments and technologies that support Pará in building a green, inclusive, and low-carbon economy,” concluded Secretary Camille.

Text by Lucas Maciel / Ascom Semas