The Association of Amazonian Universities (UNAMAZ) kicked off its official program during COP 30 last Monday (November 10th). Throughout the first day of activities, the UNAMAZ Pavilion, located in the event's Green Zone, hosted the presentation of the 2025–2030 Strategic Plan and exhibitions of scientific research exploring the biomolecular richness of the Amazon rainforest.

The new strategic plan marks a period of restructuring for the Association, with the goal of strengthening integration among institutions from the eight countries that make up the Amazon and expanding joint actions focused on research, innovation, and academic mobility.

Among the highlights of the program was the work of BioTec-Amazônia, a research center that, in partnership with the National Center for Research in Energy and Materials (CNPEM), is developing the project “Iwasa’i: Advanced Center for Biotechnological Research and Innovation in Eastern Amazonia”. The study conducts genetic analyses of açaí to expand knowledge about the species and identify microorganisms with pharmaceutical potential, contributing to the strengthening of the smart bioeconomy in the region.
“Innovation is part of the project. It is necessary to look at biodiversity as a financial asset and innovate from it,” said Diego Assis, collaborator of BioTec-Amazônia.

In recognition of the relevance of the research conducted by the center, UNAMAZ awarded a Certificate of Merit to Professor Maria Paula Schneider, President of the Board of Directors of BioTec-Amazônia and Full Professor at the Federal University of Pará (UFPA).
“It was a great honor to receive this distinction, especially since it was presented by Professor Seixas Lourenço, whom I greatly admire. This moment at COP 30 is symbolic, as it brings together the activities we develop with all the celebration that COP represents and the significance it has for the Amazon,” declared the professor.

Another highlight of the program was the presentation of a project developed by the National Institute of Science and Technology (INCT-PROBIAM), linked to the Federal University of Pará (UFPA). The research uses waste from regional fruits — such as açaí, pupunha, and buriti — in the production of bio-oils with potential applications in biofuels and pharmaceuticals for the treatment of bacterial infections.

"One of our goals at INCT is to strengthen the bioeconomy and, with that, stimulate startups and expand the number of collaborations," highlighted Marta Chagas Monteiro, coordinator of the project at UFPA.

During the day, the UNAMAZ stand also received institutional visits. The vice-president of the Brazilian Institute of Education in Rights and Fraternities (IEDF), Rafaela Brito, was present to deliver the book "Living Amazon: Strategies for Sustainable Development".

"We wanted to make this donation precisely because we believe that the dialogue between Amazonian universities, combined with the themes we address at the Institute, is fundamental and converges on many points," said Brito.
Another noteworthy visit was from representatives of the Mondó Institute, who expressed interest in formalizing their membership in UNAMAZ. The Institute works on the social transformation of vulnerable communities in the Marajó archipelago, developing studies on their specificities and local challenges.
Concluding the first day of activities, the Pro Tempore Executive Secretary of UNAMAZ, Professor Nazaré Imbiriba, gave a positive assessment of the opening, highlighting the relevance of the Association's presence at COP 30 and the strengthening of dialogue between universities, research centers, and third-sector organizations. She also emphasized that UNAMAZ's participation broadens the prospects for international cooperation and academic mobility among Amazonian countries, with the possibility of new projects emerging throughout the two weeks of the event.

Ascom/UNAMAZ