Socio-Bioeconomies in the Front Line of Rainforest Protection – Communities Reshaping Markets

This session will explore what it takes to support socio-bioeconomy initiatives that centre on local leadership and territorial governance. What works when connecting communities, markets, and buyers? What role can public procurement and other government policies play in creating the conditions for success?

We will share insights from the ForEco (Forest Economy) program, a collaborative initiative between Rainforest Foundation Norway and six partner organizations across the Brazilian Amazon. Since 2021, ForEco has supported nearly 800 communities across seven states, with initiatives ranging from seed collection and reforestation to food processing, youth entrepreneurship and territorial governance.

This session will explore how socio-bioeconomies, grounded in territorial governance and traditional knowledge, are advancing food sovereignty, innovation and forest conservation from within the territories themselves.