Amazon Programme: A German-Brazilian Initiative for Applied Research and Sustainability
The Amazon Programme is a strategic German–Brazilian initiative led by the Research and Transfer Centre Sustainable Development and Climate Change Management (FTZ-NK), at the Hamburg University of Applied Sciences.
It aims to advance applied research, innovation, and capacity-building to contribute to sustainable development in the Amazon region, as well as strengthen German-Brazilian relations. Building on the political and scientific momentum of COP30 in Belém, the programme responds directly to the urgent need for international and interdisciplinary cooperation to address escalating environmental and socio-economic challenges in the world’s largest tropical forest.
Germany brings strong expertise in climate science, biodiversity research, and green technologies, while Brazil contributes with profound ecological and traditional knowledge and stewardship of the Amazon biome. The FTZ-NK, under the leadership of Prof. Dr. Walter Leal, offers the ideal institutional setting, with a long history of successful collaboration with Brazilian universities and research institutes, and a proven track record in implementing applied sustainability projects worldwide.
Activities
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The activities of the Amazon Programme are organised around four pillars:
- a) Publications Documenting Scientific Research;
- b) Organisation of Scientific Events;
- c) Undertaking Environmentally Related Projects; and
- d) Training of Doctoral Students.
Implementation
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The programme’s implementation (2026–2030) includes the establishment of formal cooperation agreement with Brazilian partners, a digital collaboration platform, annual workshops, joint summer schools, pilot project deployment, and regular symposia. It will operate as a flagship initiative within the German-Brazilian Science and Technology Network (GERBRAS-SCIENCENET), leveraging its network for partner identification, dissemination, and joint funding opportunities.
By enhancing scientific cooperation, strengthening institutional ties, and training future leaders in sustainability science, the Amazon Programme will contribute directly to the conservation of the Amazon and to the long-term strengthening of German–Brazilian cooperation. It represents a timely, science-driven, and solution-oriented response to global sustainability challenges, translating research into concrete benefits for ecosystems and communities in the Amazon.
Become a Partner!
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We warmly invite colleagues, researchers, higher education institutions, NGOs, companies, managers, CEOs, sustainability officers, public institutions, and other stakeholders interested in sustainability and climate change to join the Amazon Programme. By registering, you will become part of a German-Brazilian initiative aimed at fostering applied research, innovation, capacity-building, scientific cooperation, and practical solutions for sustainable development in the Amazon region.
Executive board
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Head
Prof. Dr. (mult.) Dr. h.c. (mult.) Walter Leal
Director of the Research and Transfer Centre “Sustainability and Climate Change Management” (FTZ-NK)
Ulmenliet 20
21033 Hamburg
Executive Director
Dr. Joao Eustachio
Research and Transfer Centre FTZ-NK
Ulmenliet 20
21033 Hamburg
Contact
German-Brazilian Science and Technology Network
Hamburg University of Applied Sciences
Research and Transfer Centre „Sustainable Development and Climate Change Management"
Ulmenliet 20
21033 Hamburg
Germany
gerbras (at) haw-hamburg (dot) de
