On October 18, the Ecocenter of Puerto Maldonado hosted the 21st Seed and Knowledge Exchange Fair, a space that brought together producers, environmental organizations, communities, and citizens committed to the conservation of Amazonian biodiversity.
Promoting the exchange of knowledge
Organized by the Association of Ecological Agriculture of Madre de Dios (AAE), the fair promotes the exchange of native seeds and ancestral knowledge that strengthen the relationship between communities and the land. This year, it received support from various allied institutions, such as Cáritas Madre de Dios, Camino Verde, ACCA, AIDER, Wyss Academy for Nature, Cacao Center, Tour in Selva, among others, consolidating a network of collaboration in favor of sustainability and life.
Participation of Arbio
From Arbio Perú, we joined this exchange to share our experience in the conservation of the Amazonian forest, where we protect centuries-old trees such as the Shihuahuaco, a symbol of resilience and ecological balance, as well as the efforts we carry out to involve citizens in the active protection of the Amazon. During the event, we spoke with producers, students, and visitors about the importance of keeping ecosystems intact to ensure the survival of seeds, soils, and water sources that sustain life. Through informational materials and dialogue spaces, we highlighted the connection between forest health and food security, reminding everyone that caring for the forest is caring for seeds, water, and the life within them.
Seed and Knowledge Exchange Fair
The fair took place in an atmosphere of exchange and learning. There were exhibition stands, seed swaps, agroecology workshops, talks on sustainable production, and tastings of products made with local ingredients such as cacao, Amazonian fruits, and native vegetables. This gathering made it possible to showcase the diversity of traditional crops in the region, including corn, beans, chili peppers, and native rice, which are part of Madre de Dios’ food heritage and reflect the close relationship between communities and their natural environment.
The event, which celebrated its 21st edition this year, has consolidated as a key regional platform to promote food sovereignty, biodiversity conservation, and the transmission of ancestral knowledge. More than a fair, it represents a space where tradition and innovation come together, where science, community, and local action converge in favor of a living Amazon. In this context, the presence of Arbio Perú reaffirms our commitment to forest protection and to building a sustainable future for present and future generations.
Seeds of life
Each shared seed is a promise of life, and each gathering like this reminds us that protecting the Amazon also means protecting the future of all.