COP 30: Itaipu signs BRL 1.3 billion infrastructure agreements for Belém

On Monday, May 6th, 2024, Brazil’s Federal Government announced that Itaipu Binational, a company jointly owned and operated by Brazil and Paraguay, will invest BRL 1.3 billion ($256 million) to improve the infrastructure of Belém, host of the United Nations 2025 Conference on Climate Change (COP 30). During the ceremony at Planalto Palace, representatives of the binational, state and city entities signed partnerships on a wide range of areas, from solid waste management to innovation in biotechnology and landscaping.

"President Lula decided not just to host the COP, but also to signal objectively to the world the imperative need for global reflection on our planet, by hosting the COP by the jungle, near mighty and important rivers of the forest, and surrounded by a biosystem of paramount importance to the Earth," said the presidential chief of staff, Minister Rui Costa, during the event.

The Minister underscored that COP 30 will draw global attention to the critical importance of preserving the Amazon Forest and addressing climate change. "Our goal is to give each participant at the conference an increased awareness of the need for proactive measures to mitigate extreme climate events, such as those currently impacting Rio Grande do Sul," stated the minister.

The investment announced by Itaipu represents the largest financial outlay it has made outside its area of operation, which includes 399 municipalities in the State of Paraná and 35 in the State of Mato Grosso do Sul. Enio Verri, the Brazilian CEO of Itaipu Binational, emphasized that this investment marks a commitment and a legacy that will be bestowed by the company and by the Federal Government to Belém and to all of Brazil.

"Today, more than ever, we acknowledge the urgency of redoubling our efforts in facing climate change. The recent tragic floods in the State of Rio Grande do Sul are a strong warning of the dire consequences of climate imbalance," said Verri.

OPPORTUNITIES — Governor Helder Barbalho of Pará emphasized that COP 30 marks a new paradigm for the forest, the Amazon, and Brazil. He underscored that it presents an opportunity for engaging some 29 million inhabitants of the region in discussions regarding actions to combat climate change. 

"We are telling the world that having the COP in the forest will mark a new moment to discuss solutions where the focus of attention is protecting the forest, not finger pointing or admonishing us about our responsibilities, but rather to build, together, solutions to protect the environment and to unveil new economic activities that are nature-based, making it possible to take care of the climate, the environment and the people," said Barbalho.

Mayor Edmilson Rodrigues of Belém reported that construction projects being carried out by the city are moving forward on schedule. He emphasized that the conference will create new growth opportunities for the people of Pará. "Today's invaluable partnership reaffirms our dedication to a more sustainable and equitable future, marking a moment of profound significance in Belém's history," stated the mayor.

AGREEMENTS — The first partnership agreement was signed between Itaipu and the State Department of Public Works to enhance road infrastructure and build the Docks Linear Park along Visconde de Souza Franco Avenue. Planning includes installing a 50 km sewage collection network offering 4,800 new sewer connections, paving of access roads to COP 30, establishing marginal roads along the Água Cristal Canal, installing traffic control equipment and more. The investment surpasses BRL 1 billion (USD 197 million).

The second agreement, amounting to BRL 323.5 million (USD 63.7 million) was signed between Itaipu and the City of Belém for the implementation of the Igarapé São Joaquim Urban Park. This involves architectural and landscaping projects, sewage networks, water supply improvements, public lighting, paving renovation and road signage projects.

The agreements include plans for renovating the Ver-o-Peso Complex, a landmark of the Paraense capital built around one of Brazil’s oldest public open markets. Additionally, it includes the restoration of the São Brás Municipal Market, a historic building situated in downtown Belém.

A partnership agreement valued at BRL 41.8 million (USD 8.24 million) was also signed, involving Itaipu, the Itaipu Technology Park (PTI), the Belém City Government, and the Research Support and Development Foundation (FADESP). This agreement focuses on developing methodologies for solid waste management, environmental education and innovation in biotechnology.

COP 30 – The 30th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP 30) is scheduled to take place in the city of Belém, Pará, in November 2025. This marks the first occasion that the COP will be hosted in the Amazon, a crucial biome in the fight against climate change. This annual conference convenes global leaders to discuss solutions for curbing global warming and developing sustainable alternatives for life on the planet. In 2024, COP 29 is being held in Azerbaijan.