Amazon Immersion Experience 2024: Sustainability and Knowledge at the Heart of the Amazon

FGV EBAPE provided students from the Master in Management (MiM) and the International Bachelor Exchange Program (IBEA) with a transformative experience in the Amazon region, specifically in Belém do Pará. The Amazon Immersion Experience is an initiative that combines academic learning, cultural engagement, and sustainable management practices, connecting participants to one of the most biodiverse and globally significant regions on the planet.

During the immersion, students had the opportunity to explore innovative projects that balance environmental preservation and economic development, while engaging with leaders, local communities, and prominent organizations in the sustainability field.

According to Professor Fabrício Stocker, the academic coordinator of the initiative, “It was a privilege to witness how transformative this experience was for our international students. Projects like this are essential for fostering a deeper understanding of Brazil’s complexities, enabling students to learn from local businesses and communities, and to see how innovative solutions can address major global challenges.”

For the international students, especially those from the IBEA undergraduate program, such as Charlotte Budeus and Lejna Pandzic, the immersion provided valuable insights:

Reflections from Charlotte and Lejna

🛶 Logistical Challenges:

“Experiencing the challenges of delivering goods, especially during the boat trip from Breves to Belém, highlighted the difficulties faced by riverine communities in the Amazon. This reinforced the importance of effective governance in improving accessibility and connecting these remote areas to broader markets.”

🌳 Deforestation:

“We learned that deforestation in the Amazon is often driven by criminal activities, frequently used as a cover for other illegal operations, such as drug trafficking. Contrary to stereotypes, local communities are not the main contributors to deforestation; they genuinely strive to preserve the environment, often at the expense of profits. Unsustainable practices, such as monoculture, are largely rejected by these communities.”

👥 Social Dimension:

“In the Western world, the social aspect of sustainability is often overlooked. However, in the Amazon, local communities and cooperatives deeply value social sustainability due to their interdependence. This direct connection impacts collective well-being and survival, making social sustainability a vital pillar of their lives.”

The Importance of This Experience

This program goes beyond the classroom, offering international students the opportunity to learn from Brazil’s unique realities. It challenges them to understand how local businesses and communities overcome significant obstacles while pursuing sustainability. By connecting with the Amazon’s biodiversity, culture, and people, students gain critical perspectives on addressing global sustainability issues through innovative and inclusive approaches.

🌱 As Charlotte and Lejna eloquently expressed:
“This trip enriched us personally and broadened our understanding of sustainable business practices in many ways.”

Key Activities of the Experience

• Visit to Natura: Insights into the company’s sustainable business model, which innovatively and responsibly utilizes natural resources.
• Combu and Marajó Islands: Immersive experience in the local culture, focusing on sustainable tourism practices and environmental preservation.
• State Secretariat for Environment and Sustainability (SEMAS): Participation in meetings with policymakers and managers dedicated to green economy initiatives.
• Cultural events: Engagement with the Amazon’s cultural diversity, enhancing students' understanding of the interaction between local communities and the environment.

Turning Education into Impact

The Amazon Immersion Experience was designed to offer students an in-depth understanding of global sustainability challenges and innovation opportunities in the business context. This initiative not only complements academic training but also strengthens participants’ networks, promoting hands-on learning and essential skills for conscious and effective leadership.

A Career-Transforming Experience

By combining theory and practice, the Amazon Immersion Experience reaffirms FGV EBAPE’s commitment to developing global leaders prepared to tackle today’s challenges while promoting positive impact and sustainable development.

Special Thanks

We would like to extend special thanks to Azul Linhas Aéreas, a key partner of this project, which made it possible for all participants to travel by air.