Bridging bioeconomy perspectives: A Dutch-Brazilian Collaboration on Amazonian Açaí Governance
During a guest lecture at the Radboud University in 2023, a professor presented her research on rubber tappers in the Amazon, instantly inspiring my Master’s thesis direction. This interest led me eventually to UFMG to collaborate on a research initiative focusing on the bioeconomy in the Amazon.
Before arriving in Brazil in April 2024, I knew very little about Brazil and had never even heard of Belo Horizonte. However, during my four-month stay, I was warmly welcomed into Brazilian culture and university life. The initial weeks presented many cultural differences. One funny example is the surprise of many people by my vegetarianism (I don’t eat any meat) for environmental reasons.
My research focused on açaí, a berry rapidly gaining popularity in North America and Europe. This native Amazonian fruit presents a fascinating case study, as it has potential to support local economies while contributing to forest conservation when harvested sustainably. Through UFMG’s connections, I established a valuable network in Pará that helped refine my research focus. The highlight of my academic journey was conducting 10 days of fieldwork throughout the Amazon together with a bachelor student from UFMG’s Engineering department, interviewing NGOs, government officials, and staying with a local Amazonian community for a couple of days.
Through my thesis I examined the governance dynamics of the açaí value chain in Pará, revealing how various stakeholders understand and negotiate sustainable development within the Amazonian bioeconomy. The research uncovered two distinct yet interconnected value chain pathways: a traditional extractive model embedded in community practices and informal trade, and a formalized cultivation-focused system driven by international market demands. A significant finding was the documentation gap across the entire value chain, creating a governance vacuum increasingly filled by private sector actors. My thesis mainly highlights the complex challenge of implementing bioeconomy principles in ways that deliver genuine benefits to both local communities and Amazonian ecosystems.
“The collaboration between the Radboud University and UFMG has opened possibilities for further research on sustainable value chains in biodiverse regions. I’m grateful to Professor Richard van der Hoff and the entire Engineering department at UFMG for their guidance and support throughout this unique academic experience, which is an experience that I’ll never forget.” – Marit Tophoven – visiting student of master’s degree in PPGEP-UFMG