Roberto Smeraldi
Amazonia Project Senior Consultant
Roberto Smeraldi is a Brazilian (Italy-born) journalist, chef de cuisine and author, known for his pioneer engagement on environmental issues in Amazonia. In 1989-92, he chaired the International NGO Steering Committee for the UN Conference on Environment and Development, held in Rio de Janeiro in 1992. In 1998-2002 he chaired the International Advisory Group for the G-7 Pilot Program for Brazilian Rainforests, coordinated by the World Bank. He co-founded Amigos da Terra – Amazônia Brasileira in 1988, the Climate Reality Project in Brazil with Al Gore, in 2015, the Center for Entrepeneurship in Amazonia in 2014, the Atá Institute with chef Alex Atala (and serves as its vice-president). Smeraldi is author of a large number of essays and books on Amazonia, food innovation and sustainability challenges. He researched and developed a large number of new ingredients from Brazilian biodiversity, inclusing honeys, mushrooms, peppers, etc. , and became an ambassador of biodiversity in the food chain. He serves as member of the board of several non-profits and sustainability boards of large companies. He was a long-time food columnist of O Estado de S. Paulo, one of the main Brazilian dailies. Since 2020, he has helped to set up the Amazonia Project of No Peace Without Justice, and serves as a senior consultant.