Mariano Cenamo, a pioneering advocate for the sustainable bioeconomy in the Amazon, has died at the age of 46. Known for bridging conservation and economic opportunity, Cenamo’s work helped reshape how forest protection supports local livelihoods.
- Mariano Cenamo helped found Idesam to support Amazon conservation.
- He championed innovations like REDD+ and agroforestry coffee.
- His work fostered partnerships between Indigenous groups, entrepreneurs, and investors.
What happened
Mariano Cenamo, a forestry engineer and dedicated conservationist, passed away at the age of 46. He left behind a legacy centered on making the Amazon’s vast forest resources financially sustainable while preserving environmental integrity. His career began in 2003 when he moved to Manaus and helped establish Idesam, an organization aimed at the conservation and sustainable development of the Amazon.
Over more than two decades, Cenamo worked to build economic models that valued the forest beyond timber, cattle, or soy. He promoted initiatives such as REDD+, which pays for emissions reductions from deforestation, and pioneered agroforestry projects like coffee cultivation in areas previously cleared for cattle, demonstrating much higher incomes from sustainable land use.
Why it feels good
Cenamo’s work brought hope to many who live in and rely on the Amazon, proving that protecting the rainforest and generating income are not mutually exclusive. By supporting sustainable businesses and bioeconomy ventures, he helped communities envision futures where forest health and economic growth go hand in hand.
His ability to connect Indigenous leaders, entrepreneurs, environmentalists, and investors created a collaborative space for ideas and funding that was sensitive to local realities. This approach encouraged patient investment and tailored support, better suited to the Amazon’s unique needs compared to conventional fast-paced business models.
What to enjoy or watch next
The bioeconomy in the Amazon continues to grow as more enterprises adopt models validated by Cenamo’s work, such as agroforestry coffee and forest products businesses like Café Apuí. These ventures not only sustain local communities but also contribute to global conservation efforts through carbon markets and biodiversity protection.
Looking ahead, the legacy of Cenamo’s vision invites ongoing efforts to refine and expand mechanisms like REDD+, alongside new innovations in sustainable finance and technology adapted for the Amazon. Supporting these initiatives offers a powerful opportunity to honor his work by driving real-world benefits for people and the planet.