During the COP30 conference in Belém, Pará, Brazil, MUDA! - The Brazilian Collective for Responsible Tourism will host two regenerative tourism experiences on November 16 and 17, 2025. The immersive experiences, held on the islands of Cotijuba and Combu, aim to showcase how community-based tourism and bioeconomy practices can offer new solutions to the ongoing climate and social crises.
In partnership with Movimento de Mulheres das Ilhas de Belém (MMIB) and the Combu Island Sustainability Committee, the event will offer participants a transformative immersion in the Amazonian territories. The goal is to provide a unique opportunity to connect with local communities and experience regenerative tourism practices first-hand. These initiatives will highlight the leadership of local communities and their efforts to preserve the environment while contributing to sustainable development.
The regenerative tourism experiences planned for COP30 are designed to immerse travellers in the natural beauty of the Amazon rainforest while promoting the values of sustainability, regeneration, and environmental stewardship. These experiences go beyond typical eco-tourism by focusing on bioeconomy principles that empower local communities to use natural resources responsibly.
Participants will be guided by local inhabitants of Cotijuba and Combu islands, who are directly involved in protecting the environment and developing sustainable livelihoods. These communities are engaged in practices that not only preserve the Amazon ecosystem but also provide sustainable economic opportunities, such as the production of sustainable handicrafts, local agriculture, and eco-friendly tourism services.
The initiative also aims to raise awareness about the global importance of the Amazon and the need to support initiatives that regenerate the environment and communities in a holistic way. Through hands-on activities, visitors will learn about the deep connection between local people and the forest, how these practices help mitigate climate change, and how community-driven solutions are essential for the long-term protection of the Amazon.
Both Cotijuba and Combu islands are located in the Bay of Guajará, close to Belém, making them easily accessible for conference participants. These islands are home to vibrant local communities that have lived in harmony with the Amazon rainforest for generations, making them ideal locations for showcasing regenerative tourism.
At the heart of the regenerative tourism experiences is the idea of empowering local communities. The initiative encourages cultural exchange and mutual respect between visitors and residents, fostering an understanding of the social and environmental issues that affect the region.
By focusing on community-based tourism, the experiences emphasise the role of local people in conservation and sustainable development. Participants will engage in hands-on activities such as learning how to harvest fruits and crops in an eco-friendly manner, participating in cultural rituals, and exploring the local sustainable businesses that are essential for both the preservation of the forest and the community's livelihood.
The project's sustainability also extends to the tourism infrastructure, ensuring that tourism operations leave a minimal environmental footprint. Low-impact travel practices, such as eco-lodging and responsible waste management, will be highlighted as part of the tourism offerings.
COP30, the UN Climate Change Conference, provides a global platform for countries, organisations, and communities to discuss solutions to the climate crisis. By including regenerative tourism experiences in the conference agenda, the event not only raises awareness about the environmental and social issues facing the Amazon but also presents tourism as an essential tool for sustainable development.
The regenerative tourism experiences at COP30 reflect the growing movement toward sustainable travel that benefits both local communities and the environment. With growing demand for eco-friendly travel and sustainable tourism options, the event provides an opportunity for travellers and industry professionals to learn from local solutions and apply them to other regions facing similar challenges.
Through these experiences, the organisers aim to demonstrate how tourism can play a critical role in the regeneration of ecosystems and the empowerment of communities, particularly in areas like the Amazon that are under threat from deforestation and climate change.
The regenerative tourism experiences offered during COP30 in Belém, Brazil, provide a unique opportunity to explore the Amazon in a responsible, sustainable manner. By focusing on local communities and their sustainable practices, these initiatives offer visitors a chance to understand how tourism can serve as a powerful tool for environmental preservation and socio-economic development.
The event highlights the importance of sustainable tourism and how community-driven solutions are key to addressing the climate crisis. As global travellers increasingly seek destinations that prioritise sustainability, the Amazonian tourism model offers a compelling example of how tourism can contribute to climate resilience, biodiversity conservation, and community empowerment.
As the world continues to face environmental challenges, the experiences in Cotijuba and Combu islands serve as a model for how regenerative tourism can transform the tourism industry and help protect vital ecosystems for future generations.