Post by Sanjoo Malhotra

During our Pre-COP30 gathering in Santos, we experienced something truly special — a dinner that embodied the very spirit of transformation we are all working toward. Our Pre-COP30 dinner took place at @Estação Bistrô, a remarkable restaurant-school located in Santos’ historic Valongo district. But this is far more than a restaurant — it is one of Brazil’s most inspiring examples of how social inclusion, sustainability, and gastronomy can come together to create meaningful change. Since 2012, Estação Bistrô has offered free culinary training to young people from vulnerable communities, forming more than 500 graduates and opening doors to dignified employment and economic opportunity. Their model — a partnership between the Catholic University of Santos and the municipality — shows what is possible when education, social justice, and sustainability align. The restaurant operates as a living classroom where students learn not only technique, but values:
 *Zero-waste cooking
*Full use of local, seasonal ingredients
*Sustainable sourcing & conscious consumption
*Use of undervalued local fish species to reduce pressure on marine ecosystems
*Respect for cultural food traditions through innovation One of the most powerful concepts they teach is PENACOS — small, creative dishes that honor the territory and minimize waste. Their signature dadinho de tapioca with peixe-galo, an abundant but often overlooked local fish, perfectly captures this philosophy. Our dinner menu celebrated the best of Brazil’s plant-forward, locally rooted cuisine:
✨ Ceviche of pupunha & banana
✨ Churrasco vegano with roasted pumpkin, palm heart, and farofa
✨ Local seasonal fruit sorbet Each dish told a story — of place, resilience, creativity, and a future where food systems nourish both people and planet. As we look beyond Cop 30, this eveningwas a powerful reminder of what inclusive, regenerative food systems look like in practice. Models like Estação Bistrô deserve to be seen, supported, and replicated — not only in Brazil, but around the world. Thank you to the entire Estação Bistrô team specially Andersson Santana and the incredible students who shared their talent, their stories, and their vision with us. You gave us more than a meal — you gave us hope. #COP30 #PreCOP30 #FoodSystems #SustainableGastronomy #SocialInnovation #BridgingTheGaps #WWF #Santos #Brazil #RegenerativeFoodSystems #YouthEmpowerment Joao Campari Martina Fleckenstein Beatrice Rocca Oliver Oliveros Patty Fong Moritz Fegert Janine Giuberti Coutinho Max Boucher, CFA Sara Farley Matheus Alves Zanella Chiara Villani @Edoardo Corriere Patrick Mink haseeb bakhtary Jenn Yates Lasse Bruun Cecil Max Haverkamp Pascale Bonzom Michael Mulet Solon Luiza Soares Mei Casal Casper Zulim de Swarte Saskia Sanders Jaeckel Ulf Brent Loken Clement Metivier Fabio Cresto Aleina Credit Agência Cajuí/Clara Paraguassu