Amazon Creative Lab in Surucuá
THE STRUCTURE WAS SET UP FOLLOWING THE COMMUNITY’S DIRECTIONS
In the heart of the Amazon, the community of Surucuá, accessible after a six-hour boat trip from Santarém, has recently experienced a significant transformation. The arrival of the Amazon Creative Lab (ACL) Cupuaçu-Cacao, an initiative of the Amazonia 4.0 Institute, marks a new chapter in the history of this community, intertwining sustainable development with technological innovation.
The ACL’s journey to Surucuá was a logistical feat. The first set of equipment arrived on September 6, 2023, sailing through the Amazonian waters of the Tapajós River on the Surucuá II Boat. This moment was just the beginning of a meticulous process of allocating and transporting the equipment within the community, culminating in the arrival of the last shipment on September 23rd.
The installation of the geodesic domes, the central structures of the project, began on the community’s soccer field. This choice, based on previous analysis and conversations with the community, proved challenging due to the intense local weather conditions. The light sand of the field intensified the sun’s rays, making the environment extremely hot and less conducive to assembly and to subsequent activities.
The intervention came from a respected member of the community, Dona Maria do Rosário Sousa. During a visit by Ismael Nobre, director of the Institute, Dona Rosário suggested an alternative: the “Pirangão”, a grassy field surrounded by trees that floods part of the year, but would be dry during the training period and would offer a cooler and more welcoming environment. This suggestion proved valuable. The team carried out a quick assessment and decided to relocate the geodesic domes to this new site, reinforcing the importance of community wisdom and participation in development initiatives.
With the geodesic domes now set up in Pirangão, a new phase of training and learning began. The residents of Surucuá, together with the teachers, began to explore the countless possibilities that the laboratories offered. From learning new production techniques to understanding sustainable working methods, the ACL became a catalyst for education and innovation in the region.
This project in Surucuá is a shining example of how technological innovation can coexist harmoniously with local wisdom. Respect for the community’s culture and knowledge, integrated with scientific and technical advancement, symbolizes a holistic approach to sustainable development. The Amazon Creative Lab Cupuaçu-Cacao in Surucuá is not just a showcase of technological progress, but a living testimony to the union between cultural preservation and sustainable innovation, outlining a promising future where technology and tradition go hand in hand.
