Project 'Water for All' receives national recognition award for sustainable solutions
Initiative by Semas, which ensures drinking water and quality of life for residents of Combu Island, won 1st place in the Public Management category at the COP+ Journey
The Government of Pará won, on Thursday (13), 1st place in the Public Management category of the COP+ Sustainable Solutions Call for Proposals, for the "Water for All – Water Security and Climate Resilience on Combu Island" project, developed by the State Secretariat for the Environment, Climate and Sustainability (Semas). The award ceremony took place at the Albano Franco auditorium, at the headquarters of the Federation of Industries of the State of Pará (Fiepa), in Belém.
The initiative was awarded for its innovative character and social impact, ensuring drinking water, dignity, and quality of life for over 1,200 residents of Combu Island, which is part of the insular area of Belém. The project was implemented in the Environmental Protection Area (APA) of Combu, offering nature-based solutions (NbS) and social technologies adapted to the reality of riverside communities.
During the ceremony, the Deputy Secretary of Environmental Management and Regularity of Semas, Rodolpho Zahluth Bastos, represented the Government of Pará and emphasized the transformative nature of the initiative. "'Water for All' is a concrete example that it is possible to combine social technology, water justice, and environmental sustainability. Ensuring drinking water in the Amazon is ensuring dignity and resilience for those who live in and protect this territory," said the deputy secretary, adding that "this national recognition reinforces that Pará is on the right path by building public policies with nature-based solutions and people-centered approaches."
Success of Waters - With the award, "Water for All" becomes part of the Showcase of Success Cases of the Sustainable Industry, an initiative of the Fiepa System that brings together innovative practices, and will be presented at a parallel event to COP30.
Among the project's results are the implementation of ten rainwater harvesting and treatment systems, using PluGoW technology, which utilizes solar energy and dispenses with chemical products. Each system is capable of treating and storing up to 5,000 liters of water, ensuring safe supply for schools, community enterprises of socio-biodiversity, and the local health unit.
In addition to ensuring access to water, the project promotes the circular economy and contributes to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions through the installation of biodigesters in schools in the region. These devices transform organic waste into biogas and biofertilizers, strengthening sustainable practices in the communities.
"The awarded project is not just a public management action, but an initiative built in partnership with the private sector. He especially thanked Fortes Energy, a partner in the project's execution, highlighting that the company also deserves the award." According to Rodolpho Zahluth Bastos, the proposal reflects a "social technology" developed at the Federal University of Pernambuco, which now has the partnership of the Federal University of Pará, adapted to the reality of riverside communities.
Production chain - "Water for All" also drives local development by strengthening production chains, such as andiroba, açaí, and artisanal chocolate, expanding income generation opportunities and valuing the protagonism of women extractivists, who received equipment for the production of biocosmetics.
More than a program for access to drinking water, "Water for All" consolidates itself as a strategy for sustainable development, integrating quality of life, circular economy, and valuing the peoples of the forest and Amazonian communities.
Innovation - The COP+ Journey is an action led by the Federation of Industries of the State of Pará (Fiepa) that brings together different sectors — industry, government, universities, and society — to discuss and promote sustainable development in the Amazon. The initiative holds meetings, debates, and workshops on topics such as clean energy, circular economy, and bioeconomy, in addition to seeking ways to neutralize carbon emissions from events.
"I highlight the innovative and integrative character of the initiative, emphasizing that the event has consolidated itself as one of the most relevant forums of this COP cycle, by bringing together important debates and promoting collaboration among different sectors. Fiepa has managed to innovate in form and image, deserving this recognition," said Rodolpho Zahluth Bastos.
Text: Lucas Maciel – Ascom/Semas
