Brazil Showcases Responsible Tourism at COP30: Regenerative Tourism Experiences in the Amazon Highlight Community-Driven Conservation and Cultural Immersion

Published on November 3, 2025

As the world prepares for COP30, Brazil is set to make waves in the tourism sector by spotlighting regenerative tourism experiences in the Brazilian Amazon. The country is leading the charge with an immersive approach that intertwines climate action, community-driven initiatives, and the preservation of biodiversity. Through the collaborative efforts of local communities and tourism organizations, Brazil aims to offer a unique experience to COP30 participants, connecting them with the deep-rooted knowledge and sustainable practices of the Amazon’s indigenous inhabitants.

The two-day event, organized by MUDA! – The Brazilian Collective for Responsible Tourism, will unfold on the islands near Belém (PA) and promises to showcase how tourism can be a tool for conservation, regeneration, and community empowerment. Participants will be guided by local experts who have lived in and around the rainforest, ensuring that the event is rooted in authenticity and respects the region’s cultural heritage.

These regenerative tourism experiences offer more than just a visit to the Amazon; they provide a transformative journey that addresses both climate and social crises while fostering environmental stewardship. The emphasis is on immersion, education, and the sharing of practices that local communities have used for centuries to live in harmony with the forest. These initiatives also highlight the role of bioeconomy as a sustainable way forward for the region.

By engaging in these tourism experiences, visitors will have the rare opportunity to witness firsthand the positive impacts that community-based tourism can have on conservation efforts while directly contributing to the economic development of the region. This is a forward-thinking approach to tourism, one that encourages sustainable practices while supporting the people who call the Amazon home.

Regenerative Tourism Experiences in the Brazilian Amazon

In alignment with COP30’s global focus on sustainability, the two immersive tourism experiences will take place on the islands of Cotijuba and Combu. The programs aim to demonstrate how responsible tourism can foster meaningful exchanges while benefiting the local communities.

A Day on the Island: Medicinal Herbs and Ancestral Gardens

On November 16, participants will visit the island of Cotijuba for a deeply cultural and enriching experience. The itinerary, titled “A Day on the Island: Medicinal Herbs and Ancestral Gardens,” will immerse visitors in the time-honored traditions of the Amazon. Visitors will explore the Farmácia Viva project, a community-led initiative dedicated to preserving the medicinal use of Amazonian herbs.

Participants will also tour the productive backyard of Dona Deca, located along the Caminho da Priprioca, where they can observe sustainable agricultural practices that have been passed down through generations. These agricultural techniques are vital to maintaining the delicate balance of the ecosystem and ensuring that future generations can continue to thrive within the forest.

Lunch will be served at Vai Quem Quer Beach, where participants will enjoy a unique dessert made with priprioca, a fragrant root symbolic of the intersection between traditional wisdom and modern innovation.

• Highlights of the Experience:
  • Visit the Farmácia Viva medicinal herb project
  • Learn about sustainable farming practices
  • Enjoy a traditional lunch with a modern twist, featuring local Amazonian ingredients

Breakfast at Combu: Bioeconomy, Handicrafts, and Riverside Tourism

On November 17, the focus shifts to the island of Combu for the second immersive experience titled “Breakfast at Combu: Bioeconomy, Handicrafts, and Riverside Tourism.” This program dives into the flavors of the Amazon, with an emphasis on the region’s rich bioeconomy and sustainable craftsmanship.

Visitors will have the opportunity to visit Dona Nena’s Chocolate House, a local institution known for its artisanal chocolate production, where cacao is grown and harvested by local communities using environmentally friendly practices. The program will also include a stop at Eco Restaurante Saldosa Maloca, where guests will indulge in the Açaí Tuíra experience—a culinary journey that honors the bioeconomy and the biodiversity of the Amazon rainforest.

Participants will also learn about the intersection of tourism, bioeconomy, and local handicrafts, and how these elements combine to create a sustainable model for tourism development in the Amazon. The program concludes with a traditional Amazonian lunch, including dishes like grilled fish moqueca, jambu rice, pirão, and crispy farofa.

• Highlights of the Experience:
  • Visit Dona Nena’s Chocolate House and learn about sustainable cacao production
  • Explore Amazonian bioeconomy at Eco Restaurante Saldosa Maloca
  • Enjoy a traditional Amazonian lunch prepared with locally sourced ingredients

Key Features of the Experience

These regenerative tourism initiatives not only showcase the beauty and richness of the Amazon, but they also emphasize the crucial role local communities play in preserving the environment and culture. With participation fees ranging from US$113 to US$148 per day, and full scholarships available for those in need, these experiences are designed to be inclusive and accessible to a wide range of participants. The program also includes transportation, meals, and expert guidance from local hosts, ensuring that every detail is taken care of for an enriching and seamless experience.

The activities offer limited spots, allowing for a more intimate experience that fosters meaningful conversations and deeper connections with the land and its people. By engaging with the region’s leaders and visionaries, participants will have the opportunity to witness firsthand how regenerative tourism can contribute to climate action and social change.

Regenerative Tourism as a Tool for Conservation and Community Empowerment

The emphasis on regenerative tourism is a key part of Brazil’s commitment to sustainable development, particularly in sensitive areas like the Amazon. This model of tourism focuses on promoting environmental regeneration, respecting cultural practices, and ensuring that local communities are empowered to lead conservation efforts.

Through these initiatives, Brazil aims to not only attract international attention to the Amazon’s biodiversity and sustainability efforts but also to demonstrate how tourism can be a force for positive change. It is a blueprint for future tourism models that prioritize environmental health, social equity, and economic sustainability.

By showcasing the role of community-based tourism and bioeconomy, Brazil is sending a clear message that responsible tourism is not just a niche market—it is a critical tool in the fight against climate change and environmental degradation. These experiences at COP30 will inspire future visitors to consider the long-term impacts of their travel decisions and take part in the global movement for a more sustainable world.

Conclusion: A Transformative Journey into the Heart of the Amazon

These regenerative tourism experiences during COP30 offer participants a rare chance to immerse themselves in the rich traditions and sustainable practices of the Amazon’s indigenous communities. By highlighting how community-based tourism can benefit both people and the planet, these experiences provide an invaluable opportunity for learning, exchange, and action.

As Brazil continues to champion the Amazon’s preservation, these transformative experiences will serve as a model for responsible tourism in other parts of the world, paving the way for future generations to experience and protect the planet’s most vital ecosystems.