Transitions to Sociobioeconomy in the Amazon: Governance, Business, and Sustainable Innovations

Abstract

Sociobioeconomy has gained prominence as an alternative to conventional bioeconomy by integrating biodiversity conservation, social inclusion, and the valorization of traditional knowledge. This article aims to identify the institutional and organizational elements that enable sociotechnical transitions to sociobioeconomy in the Amazon. The study adopts a qualitative and exploratory approach based on the analysis of four initiatives that reconcile nature conservation, social inclusion, and traditional knowledge: the sustainable management of pirarucu, fine cocoa and chocolate production in Transamazônica, the craftsmanship of cuia from Baixo Amazonas (collective brand Aíra), and the Origens Brasil Platform. The results show that successful experiences depend on polycentric governance, community participation, local leadership, multiscale collaborative networks, and equitable value distribution mechanisms. These initiatives show concrete signs of transition, such as ecological recovery, increased local income, productive autonomy, cultural strengthening, and access to differentiated markets, although they face structural barriers related to logistics, difficulties in obtaining certifications, informality, and institutional limitations. Thus, it is evident that transitions to sociobioeconomy require deep transformations in the dominant regime, including the reconfiguration of value chains, strengthening of polycentric arrangements, and the construction of public policies that promote inclusion, social justice, and socio-environmental conservation.

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