EN 
PT_BR 
On April 23, 24 and 25, Hangar Convenções & Feiras da Amazônia, in Belém, will host the second edition of IFC Amazônia, the main event for the fishing and aquaculture sector in the northern region, with international projection as a preparatory agenda for COP30. The 2nd edition of IFC Amazônia is held simultaneously with Conbep (Brazilian Congress of Fisheries Engineering).
President of IFC Amazon, Altemir Gregolin: “Pará has the potential not only to meet the demand for fish, but also to lead a new green economy in the region, showing that it is possible to reconcile economic growth with the preservation of the largest tropical forest in the world” – Photo: Disclosure/OPR Archive
The state of Pará, located in the heart of the Brazilian Amazon, has one of the richest and most diverse fishing activities in the country. Fishing, both artisanal and industrial, is essential for the local economy, food security and the generation of jobs and income for thousands of families. With a vast network of rivers, lakes and coastal areas, Pará stands out as one of the largest fish producers in Brazil, supplying not only the regional market, but also contributing to the export of species such as snapper, piramutaba and shrimp.
Fishing in Pará supports riverside, indigenous and urban communities, and is one of the main sources of subsistence in many regions. In addition, it drives production chains that range from capture to marketing, processing and transportation.
Fishing is an essential pillar of the economy and culture of Pará, and is also a strategic activity for the sustainable development of the Amazon. With efficient public policies, investments in technology and the appreciation of traditional knowledge, the state can become a model of balance between production and conservation, ensuring that the wealth of its water resources benefits current and future generations.
“Pará has the potential not only to meet the demand for fish, but also to lead a new green economy in the region, showing that it is possible to reconcile economic growth with the preservation of the largest tropical forest in the world,” highlights the president of IFC Amazônia, Altemir Gregolin.
“Fish of the Amazon”: Flavors, sustainability and opportunities at IFC Amazon
The Amazon is home to some of the richest aquatic biodiversity on the planet, and fish are a fundamental part of the region's culture, economy and gastronomy. Species such as tambaqui, pirarucu, tucunaré, jaraqui and filhote not only feed millions of people, but also drive entire production chains, sustaining riverside communities and boosting regional development.
“At the heart of this debate is the IFC Amazônia, an event that brings together experts, businesspeople, fishermen, chefs and public policy makers to discuss the present and future of fishing in the region,” highlights the event’s CEO, Eliana Panty. With a focus on sustainability, innovation and the market, the meeting promotes essential dialogues on how to value the “Fish of the Amazon” responsibly, ensuring economic benefits without compromising ecosystems.
Why is Amazon fish so special?
Event CEO, Eliana Panty: “At the heart of this debate is the IFC Amazônia, an event that brings together experts, businesspeople, fishermen, chefs and public policy makers to discuss the present and future of fishing in the region” – Photo: Disclosure/OPR Archive
– Unique flavor: The natural diet of fish in forest rivers and lakes gives them a unique texture and flavor, appreciated in traditional dishes and haute cuisine.
– Socioeconomic importance: Artisanal fishing employs thousands of families, while processing and marketing generate income for cooperatives and industries.
– Market potential: With the growing demand for sustainable proteins, Amazonian fish can conquer new markets, as long as it is combined with good management practices.
Challenges and opportunities under discussion at IFC Amazônia
The event will address crucial topics for the sector, such as:
Sustainable management – How to avoid overfishing and ensure healthy stocks for future generations.
Certification and traceability – The valorization of fish with legal and sustainable origins, adding value to the products.
Technology and innovation – Processing, packaging and logistics to reduce losses and reach new markets.
Gastronomy and tourism – How regional cuisine can boost consumption and experiential tourism, with emphasis on the Cozinha Show and the Corredor do Sabor.
Pará at the center of the debates
As one of the largest fish producers in the Amazon, Pará has the opportunity to lead this movement by investing in:
– Efficient public policies that balance production and conservation.
– Partnerships with the private sector to expand access to national and international markets.
– Strengthening fishing communities, ensuring that they benefit from a fairer and more sustainable economy.
Fishing that feeds the world and preserves the forest
– Pará accounts for 30% of the national production of freshwater fish (SEAP/2023 data);
– Pirarucu managed in Amazonas and Pará already generates R$15 million/year (ASPAC, 2024);
– Belém will be the first Amazonian city to host COP30 (2025), reinforcing the role of IFC Amazon as a preparatory agenda.
With significant fish production, Pará is a leader in Brazil in sustainable artisanal fishing and aquaculture of native species such as tambaqui, pirarucu and shrimp. IFC Amazônia is a strategic platform for discussions on a sector that generates income for more than 500,000 families who depend on fishing. The event aims to strengthen global markets for certified Amazonian fish and discuss public policies aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
The Event: Innovation and dialogues for a blue economy
Expected to bring together 5,000 participants, the IFC Amazônia program includes:
– International Congress on Aquaculture and Fisheries;
– Technology and Business Fair;
– International Symposium on Ornamental Aquaculture and Aquariology;
– Presentation of Scientific Papers coordinated by CONBEP (Brazilian Congress of Fisheries Engineering);
– Inova Aqua with the participation of Startups;
– Sixth edition of the “Women of the Waters Meeting”;
– IFC Bio Fashion, an initiative that combines fishing and fashion. IFC Amazônia innovates by promoting the valorization of fishing byproducts, such as the leather of Amazonian fish, to be used in creative and expressive fashion from Pará.
– Show Kitchen: Renowned chefs prepare dishes with Amazonian fish, highlighting local gastronomy;
– Technical Panels: Experts discuss sustainable management, traceability and credit for the production chain;
Why is IFC Amazonia a Pre-COP milestone?
As an event linked to the discussions of the Climate Conference (COP30), which will take place in Belém in 2025, IFC Amazônia: – Anticipates debates on bioeconomy and blue carbon credit;
– Shows successful cases in managed fishing (such as that of pirarucu, which recovered stocks); – Positions Pará as a leader in sustainable solutions for global food.
Realization, sponsorship and support
The 2nd edition of IFC Amazônia is being held simultaneously with Conbep (Brazilian Congress of Fisheries Engineering). Fundep (Foundation for Support of Education, Extension, Research and Postgraduate Studies) is co-organizing the event. The event is sponsored by the Government of the State of Pará; Sedap (State Secretariat for Agricultural and Fisheries Development); Banco da Amazônia, Banpará (State Bank of Pará), Caixa Econômica Federal, MPA (Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture) and the Federal Government.
The IFC Amazônia is also carried out with the institutional support of ABIPESCA (Brazilian Association of Fish Industries); Peixe BR (Brazilian Fish Farming Association); Faepa/Senar System; Fepa (Federation of Fishermen of Pará) and SINPESCA (Union of Fishing Industries of the States of Pará and Amapá).
