Sustainability in the Amazon

Located in the extreme Northeast of the Brazilian Amazon, the State of Amapá is home to one of the largest and most diverse tracts of pristine tropical rainforest of the world.  Over three quarters of the state is protected, conserving 73% of its native forests in 12 protected areas and five Indigenous Lands. Working with Conservation International, the government of Amapá is developing projects that seek economic growth while maintaining its critical natural capital. Inspired by the same objective, the University of São Paulo’s Institute of Advanced Studies formed a research group to develop the world’s first business school geared towards the preservation of the rainforest. The proposed Rainforest Continent Business School aims at providing expert training for competitive, environmentally and socially sustainable, and science based business development in tropical Rainforests.  It will enable a new generation of professionals dedicated to adding value to “standing forests” in ways to harness their unique economic potential and make their protection and preservation a sensible business decision.     

On May 15th, the Brazil Institute and the Environmental Change and Security Program of the Wilson Center, in partnership with Conservation International, and the University Of São Paulo Institute Of Advanced Studies will host a seminar on innovative initiatives aimed at the Amazon’s sustainability. Anthropologist and environmentalist Maritta Koch-Weser, a former senior World Bank official who since 2009 leads a study group on Amazonia’s transformation at the University of São Paulo, will discuss plans for the establishment of the Rainforest Continent Business School, following a roundtable of experts. After a short coffee break, Governor Camilo Capiberibe will offer his vision for Amapá's sustainable economic development, and the state's role as a provider and beneficiary of environmental services.