We needed a space that met global standards, capable of serving as a safe haven for international leaders, yet rooted in the local community and guided by the active participation of traditional peoples. We took charge of the management—from the early selection of a large mansion in a strategic neighborhood just 20 minutes from the Blue Zone, to the coordination of vendors, operations, and content—so that TED could focus entirely on the excellence of the discussions.

Three guiding principles shaped the project: 1) To foster a genuine convergence between the global and the local, demonstrating that the Amazon is not just part of the climate problem, but a central piece of the solution; 2) Embrace a variety of formats to inspire action, moving away from traditional panel discussions in favor of intergenerational town halls, collaborative workshops, immersive virtual reality experiences about the forest, themed dinners, and soccer and wellness clinics; and 3) Ensure social impact and sustainability in a deliberate manner, from catering to set design.

We invited artist Hadna Abreu, whose watercolors and scientific illustrations inspired the concepts behind the houses—Water, Bees, Fungi, and Seeds—and the “Mother Earth House,” which was enthusiastically received by TED’s global leadership. The space was entirely filled with works by artists from the Amazon. As part of the program, we co-hosted panel discussions on halting fossil fuel extraction in the Amazon, the transition to sustainable economies with the Guardians of the Forest, the Bio-Amazon Valley with the Government of Pará, and an art workshop using ash from forest fires led by artivist Mundano. Sustainability was put into practice through collaborations with local producers and artists, featuring acai seed necklaces on name tags, authentic cuisine by chef Esther Weyl, Carimbó dance circles, and a plastic-free model with rigorous waste management.