Regenera Oiapoque – Bioeconomy in the Amazon Forest

Regenera Oiapoque is a transformative initiative born out of a collaboration between EcoUniversidade and the Xime Lavi Indigenous group.

Rooted in respect for Indigenous knowledge and a commitment to participatory collaboration, this project seeks to forge a regenerative future for the women of Aldeia Manga community, where the Xime Lavi group is based, that are now facing numerous challenges due to climate change.

The project’s approach includes establishing a sustainable system for seed harvesting and replanting, creating a replicable model for regenerative entrepreneurship. In addition, the project is mapping resources within the local biome to ensure sustainable use of forest materials, enabling the women to manage their raw materials responsibly while fostering autonomy and resilience.
The initiative aims to:

• Strengthen local economies
• Preserve Indigenous knowledge
• Regenerate the environment

The project builds on previous initiatives, including the launch of a community-owned store, to scale the women’s enterprise and expand the use of locally sourced seeds. This process not only creates economic opportunities into growing market potential, but also supports cultural revitalization by emphasizing traditional practices in a modern, sustainable context.

By 2029, Regenera Oiapoque envisions Aldeia Manga as a hub of regenerative entrepreneurship, with women-led businesses driving biodiversity protection and economic growth, inspiring similar efforts across the Amazon. This work will demonstrate that by empowering indigenous women as guardians of their cultural and natural heritage, we can build a regenerative and biodiverse future.