As the world turns its attention to COP30, a global summit focused on climate action, an inspiring initiative is unfolding in the heart of the Brazilian Amazon. MUDA! – The Brazilian Collective for Responsible Tourism – is inviting delegates and visitors to go beyond the conference halls and experience the transformative power of regenerative tourism on two islands near Belém, Pará. Scheduled for November 16 and 17, these immersive programs on Cotijuba and Combu islands aim to showcase how community-based tourism and bioeconomic practices can become catalysts for both environmental preservation and social renewal.
The experiences have been carefully designed in collaboration with the Movimento de Mulheres das Ilhas de Belém (MMIB) and the Combu Island Sustainability Committee. Together, they offer participants a genuine opportunity to understand the Amazon not just as a natural wonder, but as a living, breathing territory sustained by communities that have coexisted with the forest for generations. These local leaders, many of them women, are at the forefront of promoting regenerative practices that harmonize culture, livelihood, and conservation.
On November 16, participants will journey to Cotijuba Island for the experience titled A Day on the Island – Medicinal Herbs and Ancestral Gardens. This activity invites visitors to slow their pace and reconnect with the deep-rooted wisdom of the forest. The itinerary includes a visit to Farmácia Viva, a project dedicated to reviving the ancestral use of medicinal herbs, and a tour of a traditional backyard garden along the scenic Caminho da Priprioca.
The day culminates with a tranquil lunch at Vai Quem Quer beach, where guests will savor local Amazonian cuisine and a dessert infused with priprioca – a fragrant root known for its aromatic and symbolic connection between tradition and innovation. This experience goes beyond sightseeing, encouraging reflection on how traditional ecological knowledge can inspire modern approaches to well-being and sustainability.
The following day, November 17, brings participants to Combu Island for Breakfast at Combu – Bioeconomy, Handicrafts, and Riverside Tourism. Here, visitors will explore the vibrant ecosystem of the Amazon’s bioeconomy through local entrepreneurship and gastronomy. Highlights include a visit to Dona Nena’s Chocolate House, where artisanal chocolate is made from locally grown cacao, preserving both cultural identity and biodiversity.
The experience continues at Eco Restaurante Saldosa Maloca, where guests will enjoy the renowned Açaí Tuíra experience before sitting down to a traditional Amazonian lunch. The meal features regional specialties such as grilled fish moqueca, jambu rice, pirão, and crispy farofa – a true celebration of the flavors and resources of the forest.
Both experiences are limited to small groups to ensure a deep and respectful exchange between visitors and local hosts. Packages include transportation, meals, and guided activities, with participation fees ranging from US$113 to US$148 per day. A combined package is available for those wishing to attend both days, while full scholarships are being offered to ensure inclusivity and access for participants unable to cover costs.
By centering local voices and emphasizing sustainability, these initiatives demonstrate that tourism can serve as a force for regeneration rather than exploitation. They invite global decision-makers and travelers alike to witness how community-led tourism supports environmental conservation, empowers women, and strengthens local economies.
MUDA!’s initiative embodies the essence of COP30’s mission: finding actionable solutions to the intertwined climate and social crises of our time. Through these immersive journeys, participants will not only explore the Amazon’s breathtaking landscapes but also learn how the guardians of the forest are preserving its future through wisdom, resilience, and innovation.
As the world seeks pathways toward a sustainable future, these experiences stand as living examples of what responsible tourism can achieve — regeneration, inclusion, and harmony between people and planet.
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