Amazonia: A Puzzle Between Development and Sustainability?

Amazonia is one of the most ecological and culturally significant regions on the planet, yet it continues to experience deep social and economic marginalization. This article examines the paradox of a territory rich in biodiversity and environmental assets that struggles to convert this wealth into sustainable development and human well-being. Drawing on original fieldwork conducted in the Brazil–Peru–Colombia tri-border region, and combining insight from historical, economic, and institutional analysis, the article explores the forces shaping Amazonia's development trajectory. It assesses critically the emergence of the bioeconomy as an alternative to extractive growth models, highlighting both its transformative potential and its inherent contradictions, particularly regarding the commodification of ecosystem services and weak institutional capacity. Through 4 original community-based case studies, the article demonstrates how local initiatives led by indigenous and traditional actors are reconciling biodiversity conservation with inclusive economic strategies. The study's key finding is that sustainable development in Amazonia is not only technically feasible but already underway in many grassroots initiatives, though scaling these efforts requires institutional transformation grounded in territorial governance, intercultural dialog, and historical awareness. The article argues that Amazonia's future hinges not just on innovation but on rethinking development itself.