The end of activities in the second day of the III CIVENI on Friday, December 12th, featured a panel discussion on the theme “Brazilian Bioeconomy in Perspective: ‘Knowledge, Resources, and Territories Linking the Pampa, Geoparks, and Northeast Saltworks'”, coordinated by Professor Dr. Luis Felipe Dias Lopes (UFSM-Brazil). In his presentation the professor informed that this bioeconomy model is geared towards governance studies focused on COP30: “also noteworthy, where COP30 was held last month is in Pará, where they have projects for the transition from extractive activities of açaí, Brazil nuts, and Amazonian herbs,” Dr. Lopes explained. He explained that Pará is a region (north) that has bioeconomy and innovation parks, mainly in its capital, Belém. 

PhD student Elenara Milena de Cristo discussed the bioeconomy of the Pampa in Rio Grande do Sul and its importance for sustainable development and its crucial role in the transformation of economic and social systems. She highlighted agriculture in the Pampa, such as soy and rice, seen as the main threat to the native grassland. Elenara also brought up livestock farming in the native grassland: Extensive Livestock Farming – large areas of native grassland, taking advantage of the rich diversity of grasses and legumes in the biome; the emphasis on raising beef cattle and sheep, and family livestock farming. For her, “it is possible to combine the economic, the social, and the ecological.” 

In her presentation, Dienifer Della Justina (UFSM-Brazil), also a PhD Student, discussed how the bioeconomy can impact the development of geopark territories. Through innovation and scientific knowledge, she explained that geopark territories are already centers for education and research, environmental and territorial education; through sustainable tourism, they reinforce nature and cultural tourism, integrating experiences; preservation and sustainable development, social development with the appreciation of local communities, their cultures, knowledge and traditions; territorial identity and visibility, since territorial identity is the feeling of ‘this is my place’, and economic development. 

Rayssa Oliveira presented the Salt Sector in Northeast Brazil, highlighting Rio Grande do Norte as the exporting region of approximately 412,000 tons of sea salt, generating a surplus of US$289.7 million. This region supplies Brazil with 95% of its national production.