Mercado Libre Sponsors FIINSA and Supports Amazon Entrepreneurs

Believing in the transformative potential of the Amazon, Mercado Libre sponsored the third edition of the Amazon Impact Investment and Sustainable Business Festival (FIINSA), held in Manaus from October 22 to 24. The event brought together over 800 participants from the region’s social entrepreneurship ecosystem to promote innovative and sustainable solutions.

With the theme “Where Doing Speaks Louder,” FIINSA hosted a series of activities and lectures that explored the development of the Amazon based on local needs, potential, and specific characteristics. Panels covered six main themes: “Building an Impact Ecosystem in the Amazon,” “Pathways for Entrepreneurship in the Amazon,” “Territorial Development,” “Standing Forest Economy,” “Socio-Biodiversity Values,” and “People Who Impact.”

Mercado Libre actively participated in the discussions, joining a panel that addressed the logistical challenges in the Amazon. Laura Motta, the company’s Senior Sustainability Manager, was among the panelists and highlighted the impact of drought on logistical costs for businesses. “In our latest research on bottlenecks, 24 of the 28 Amazonian ventures in our network reported logistical challenges exacerbated by climate issues. These problems range from sourcing inputs from communities to delivering products to distribution centers and end customers, driving up the cost of goods that already face market access challenges,” Motta said.

Over 100 panelists were invited, including names such as Fernanda Náder Garavini, Head of the Environmental Department at BNDES; José Fonseca from SEBRAE Amazonas; and Ellen Aciolli from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB).

During the event, Mercado Libre also supported an entrepreneurial marketplace that brought together over 50 local brands, offering the public a glimpse into the potential of Amazonian entrepreneurs with a positive impact. This space highlighted the diversity and richness of sustainable and artisanal products from the region, with a selection ranging from unique crafts and fashion items to natural bio cosmetics and organic foods.

This initiative allowed visitors to experience the local production firsthand, exploring a universe of colors, aromas, and flavors that reflect the Amazon’s biodiversity and culture. “We believe that strengthening sustainable socio-biodiversity businesses contributes to income generation and environmental preservation. In addition to the entrepreneurial marketplace, we offer a selection of products with a positive impact on Mercado Libre, expanding the reach of entrepreneurs who make a difference,” Motta added.

Learn more and explore Mercado Libre's socio-biodiversity product selection.