In 2023, Eletrobras conducted a series of workshops with external experts as part of its strategic planning. Catavento was hired to make a presentation to members of the Board of Directors and the Executive Board about the Amazon region. To this end, Catavento invited Tasso Azevedo, General Coordinator of MapBiomas, and Beto Veríssimo, Co-founder of Imazon and the Amazônia 2030 Project.

The workshop was divided into three main blocks: (i) relevance of the theme for Eletrobras, (ii) deforestation and socio-environmental diagnosis and (iii) implications for companies. Clarissa Lins began the presentation by highlighting the main factors that make it critical to discuss the prospects for the Amazon. Subsequently, she presented the relevance of the territory for Eletrobras’ operations, notably its hydropower generation.

During the second block of presentation, Tasso and Beto turned to the territory. Tasso presented the history of occupation of the region and the main drivers for deforestation pressure. Using the MapBiomas platform, different satellite images have indicated the intensification of deforestation and degradation in recent years. Subsequently, Beto presented the particularities of the different regions of the Amazon, classified into 5 main categories – : (i) forest; (ii) forest under pressure; (iii) deforested; (iv) non-forest and (v) urban. Each of these regions has specific challenges and opportunities.

Finally, Clarissa highlighted the implications of this context for companies operating in the region. The socio-environmental landscape of the Amazon can pose risks to business if not managed properly. On the other hand, there are also opportunities that go through new models of partnerships with private actors, as well as through the valorization of local knowledge and solutions. After the presentations, a round of Q&A was conducted with the participants of the meeting.