Ana Paula Ferreira Sampaio, a technician at the Municipality of Parauapebas (PA) and researcher at the Federal Rural University of the Amazon (UFRA), and a RenovaBR alumna, was not only symbolically present at COP30. During the first week of the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30), the researcher brought to the center of discussions the accelerated disappearance of the springs that supply family farming in southern Pará. 

For over four years, Ana has coordinated, along with professors Leo Jackson da Silva, Moreira (a soil specialist), and Wilton Pires (an agronomist), a research and extension project that analyzes, diagnoses, and promotes the recovery of water springs in rural areas. The work has already resulted in the revitalization of three springs – a result of the partnership between research and various stakeholders, such as the university, the community, and the Municipal Department of Agriculture. “We knew the springs were drying up, but we hadn't measured the speed of this process. Each year that passes, the springs dry up at a faster rate, and, conversely, the resilience of the vegetation and soil decreases,” explains Ana. According to her, the impacts of fires, pesticides, monoculture, and cattle trampling can accelerate this process. 

An agenda that originates locally and reaches the global debate.

Upon hearing scientists present data on the climate tipping point, which is even more serious for the Amazon region, the alumna says she was frightened, but not paralyzed. For her, the diagnosis reinforced her perception of urgency. “Reforestation is still timid. COP needs to focus on implementation,” Ana pointed out. 

Whether in field research, dialogue with farmers, or technical meetings during the COP, the researcher expressed concern about the lack of carbon metrics and how this could hinder family farming's access to financial resources. In her view, requiring complex measurements for small producers tends to delay development.  

She reports that conversations at Embrapa, BNDES, and the Public Defender's Office opened concrete avenues to improve the local project and expand its structure. "I saw a light at the end of the tunnel," she says. For her, taking on this role—as a researcher, public servant, and future candidate for city council—is part of the commitment she carries to her territory.

Restoring springs 

The springs restored by the project she works on reflect the practical nature of working with sustainability. The processes involved everything from soil studies to community mobilization, through awareness of climate change, to digging pits and fencing off areas – an ongoing process of environmental education. 

“The first spring was restored with the support of the Secretariat. Following that, we worked on another one with the neighbors who benefit from the spring's water and who, through environmental education, understood the importance of this work. The workforce emerged from this ecological awareness,” explains Ana. Every impacted community receives this awareness training before the work begins. In this case, 12 landowners joined together to fence off the entire degraded area. “It was a celebration,” says Ana, emphasizing that no spring recovers without the participation of the families who depend on it.

The next step will be the source of the Serra do Cedro stream, on Dona Cleonice's property. Seedlings have already been selected and the area mapping is complete. "We're bringing in science and community involvement. And it works," she concludes. 

From COP to Parauapebas

Even with a large budget, the municipality of Parauapebas does not have an emergency climate change plan — something Ana intends to help build. “It’s the bare minimum. My municipality still doesn’t have a plan. And that needs to change,” she summarizes.

Among her priorities are including the recovery of water sources in the 2026 Budget Law and transforming the initiative into a permanent program for family farming. Now a master's student with political plans, she affirms that she does not intend to stop. "My obligation as a citizen is to implement this project. Whether through the city hall, the university, or a cooperative. I have to do something," she concludes.