The main agricultural, biotechnological, and post-harvest strategies for reducing cadmium (Cd) concentrations in the cultivation and processing of cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.), one of Latin America's most representative products, are reviewed. The study, focusing on Ecuador and other countries that produce fine aroma cocoa, evaluates techniques such as microbial bioremediation, phytoremediation with hyperaccumulator plants, the use of organic amendments and biochar, as well as post-harvest practices such as mucilage drainage and prolonged fermentation. The results highlight the effectiveness of combining biological and technological solutions to reduce cadmium bioavailability, improve bean quality, and comply with international food safety standards, contributing to more sustainable and competitive cocoa production.

The study analyzes advances and trends in the use of artisanal biopreparations in Latin American agriculture, made with natural ingredients and native microorganisms as an alternative to conventional agrochemicals. Through a bibliometric analysis, it identifies the leading countries in research (Brazil, Cuba, Colombia, and Mexico), the main types of biopreparations, such as Bokashi, and the crops where they are applied. The study highlights the need to strengthen applied research, knowledge dissemination, and collaboration between scientists and farmers to expand the adoption of sustainable agroecological practices.

The article analyzes how Colombia is leveraging its microbial biodiversity to develop biofertilizers, examining scientific advances, market trends, and regulatory challenges facing the country in its efforts to promote more sustainable and competitive agriculture.

This initiative is a Technical Cooperation (PE-T1615) aimed at repositioning Peru’s main public agricultural services to promote sustainable agricultural development. It will foster partnerships with the private sector and with regional and municipal authorities, and strengthen institutional coordination through public-private collaboration mechanisms and engagement with subnational governments, reinforcing cooperative models. The TC will finance consultancies and multi-stakeholder technical dialogue spaces organized into two components: technical support for repositioning agricultural services (including studies and designs of monitoring instruments, territorial approaches, and digital technologies for strategic resources such as seeds) and the development of institutional coordination mechanisms and capacity building (leadership, negotiation, and communication). It complements IDB operations in Peru’s agricultural sector, particularly PE-L1270 (innovation and extension services) and PE-L1280 (food safety), and seeks to strengthen MIDAGRI’s steering role alongside INIA and SENASA. The IDB will execute the TC, and monitoring will track planned vs. executed procurements and delivered outputs, with annual reporting through the TCM system.

The PlanBio Pará is the implementation instrument of the State Bioeconomy Strategy, aimed at promoting a sustainable, low-emission development model based on Amazonian biodiversity, innovation, and traditional knowledge. It fosters sustainable value chains, social inclusion, and the valorization of conserved forests through the sustainable use of Amazonian biodiversity. Coordinated by the State Secretariat for Environment and Sustainability (SEMAS), it is designed as a long-term policy to consolidate an inclusive and resilient bioeconomy in the State of Pará.

The project seeks to strengthen food and nutrition security in Latin America and the Caribbean by creating a regional network for vegetable genetic improvement that promotes resilient, sustainable, and nutritious agriculture. This initiative fosters scientific cooperation, the development of new varieties adapted to climate change, and capacity building in genomics and phenomics. In addition, it seeks to improve public health through access to healthier foods and reduce medical costs associated with malnutrition, overweight, and micronutrient deficiencies.

The Agreement establishes a comprehensive framework for political dialogue and cooperation between the European Union and six Central American countries (Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Panama) signed in Rome on December 15, 2003, and published in the Official Journal of the European Union on April 15, 2014. This legal instrument strengthens bilateral relations through the promotion of democratic principles, human rights, rule of law, and sustainable development. The Agreement covers key areas such as Central American regional integration, poverty reduction, trade, economic cooperation, environmental protection, and management of shared challenges including migration, illicit drugs, and terrorism. It constitutes a strategic partnership that replaces the 1993 Framework Cooperation Agreement and prepares conditions for future negotiations of free trade agreements between both regions.

Decree No. 1,943/2021 of the State of Pará establishes the State Bioeconomy Strategy, setting the initial framework for the transition toward a development model based on biodiversity, traditional knowledge, and innovation. It creates the Interinstitutional Working Group for the State Bioeconomy Strategy (GTEE-B) as a technical and multisectoral coordination body, mandated to develop the strategic plan, define lines of action, foster collaboration among public and private actors, and monitor bioeconomic indicators at the state level. The decree lays the normative foundations of the regional bioeconomy policy by identifying key priorities such as the valorization of Amazonian sociobiodiversity, the sustainable management of natural resources, the promotion of a low-emission economy, and the generation of green jobs in traditional territories.

Decree No. 2,746/2022 establishes the State Bioeconomy Plan (PlanBio) of the State of Pará and creates its Executive Committee as the body responsible for management and monitoring. The decree sets out the guidelines to promote a transition toward a low-emission economy, resilient to climate change and based on the valorization of biodiversity and sociobioeconomy. The PlanBio must include a diagnosis of the state’s bioeconomic context, the identification of priority areas, socio-environmental safeguards, and a multisectoral action plan. The decree also defines the composition and functions of the Executive Committee, coordinated by the State Secretariat for Environment and Sustainability, and stipulates that the plan shall be reviewed every four years to ensure its continued relevance and effectiveness.