During a visit to the Jamaraquá Community (PA), Lula advocates for economic support for those who take care of the forests.

247 - President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva argued this Sunday (2) that the sustainable development of the Amazon depends on guaranteeing economic, educational and health conditions for the communities that live in and care for the forest. The statement was made during a visit to the Jamaraquá Community, in the Tapajós National Forest (PA), as reported by the official portal of the Federal Government. The trip is part of a series of preparatory agendas for COP30, which will be held in 2025 in Belém (PA).

"For the forest to remain standing, we have to provide economic, educational, and health support for the people who take care of it. If people don't have food to eat, they won't take care of anything," Lula stated during a conversation with community residents.

The Jamaraquá Community is recognized for its sustainable tourism practices and community-based production of andiroba and copaiba oils, latex, and bio-jewelry. The model combines income generation with environmental preservation and is supported by the Amazon Fund, administered by BNDES.

During the visit, Lula participated in local activities, such as the latex extraction process and the production of cassava flour. He emphasized that holding COP30 in Pará is an opportunity for the world to learn firsthand about the reality and importance of the Amazonian peoples.

“COP30 is a unique moment in Brazil’s history. It’s the moment when we are forcing the world to look at the Amazon with the eyes it deserves. The world will get to know the wonderful and extraordinary people of the Amazon, who deserve help,” declared the president.

Commitments to education and social policies

In addition to environmental discussions, Lula announced the creation of the University of Indigenous Peoples of Brazil, headquartered in Brasília with campuses in several states, aimed at educating young indigenous people.

"The boys finish high school and don't have a college to attend, and often they can't even go to Santarém. We will create, by November 17th, the University of Indigenous Peoples of Brazil," he stated.

The president also pledged to expand health, education, and land regularization programs in the region. According to him, "improving the issues of health, education, and land titles is the government's obligation."

Recognition of local communities

The Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Marina Silva, who accompanied the visit, highlighted the importance of Amazonian communities in addressing climate change.

“These families have a lifestyle that protects the forest, they seek improvements and have already achieved many. This is an example of bioeconomy, of socio-biodiversity, of how to keep the forest standing and generate conditions for life and dignity,” Marina highlighted.

Bolsa Verde and paid forest care

Lula also mentioned the Bolsa Verde Program, resumed in 2023, which currently benefits 650 families (60% of those living in the Tapajós National Forest). The program transfers financial resources to traditional communities—such as riverside dwellers, extractivists, indigenous people, and quilombola communities—that commit to conserving the environment and using natural resources sustainably.

In addition to financial support, beneficiaries receive technical assistance, socio-environmental rural extension services, and socio-productive inclusion.

Wisdom and tradition

The former chief Donildo Lopes dos Santos, known as Mr. DidoThe 63-year-old shared his experience in extractive industries with the president. "If we don't pass on what we know, we lose everything," he stated.

Lula's visit to Jamaraquá reinforces the role of Amazonian communities as key players in environmental preservation and exemplifies the federal government's efforts to combine sustainability, social justice, and regional development.