The Association of Amazonian Universities (UNAMAZ) held a tribute on Tuesday afternoon (18) to those who contributed to sustainable development in Pará, with particular emphasis on the Japanese Ambassador to Brazil, Hayashi Teji. The ceremony took place at the institution's stand in the GreenZone, during COP30.
Throughout the day, the program showcased the Tomé-Açu Agroforestry System (SAFTA), a national benchmark in sustainable production in northeastern Pará. Developed by Japanese immigrants and their descendants starting in the 1920s—and strengthened after the crisis of black pepper monoculture in the late 1970s—the model combines native Amazonian species with agricultural crops such as cocoa, açaí, and various fruit trees.
The SAFTA system stands out for promoting highly biodiverse polycultures, which restore the soil through the accumulation of organic matter and increase productivity without degrading the environment. Today, SAFTA is recognized as a strategic solution for the recovery of degraded areas in the Amazon.
Present at the event was the Minister of Agrarian Development and Family Agriculture (MDA), Paulo Teixeira, who emphasized that the National Productive Forests Program will use the experiences of Tomé-Açu as a model for land regeneration in the region. "The objective is to present SAFTA as a solution to face challenges such as climate change, food insecurity, job creation, and the development of the Amazon with social inclusion," he stated.
UNAMAZ highlighted that advancements like this are the result of the historical cooperation between Brazil and Japan, which combines traditional knowledge, innovation, and community commitment. In recognition of this trajectory, the institution honored the Japanese Ambassador to Brazil, Hayashi Teji. BioTec-Amazônia also paid tribute to the former Minister of Agriculture, Livestock and Supply, Roberto Rodrigues, who participated in a panel discussion, for his significant contributions to the sector.