Notícias
CLIMATE CHANGE
One year before COP30, Belém transforms itself to host the Climate Summit
Mercado São Brás is already open to public visitation: more than 90% of the projects have been concluded - Credit: Dinei Souza/Agência Belém
Brazil is already breathing in the air of the 30th United Nations Climate Change Conference, COP30, which will be held from November 10 to 21, 2025, in Belém, in the heart of the Amazon. With exactly one year to go until the beginning of the Climate Summit, the Brazilian Federal Government has intensified preparations to welcome more than 60,000 people, including heads of state, diplomats, entrepreneurs, investors, activists, and delegations from the 193 member countries.
The event, to be held in the state of Pará, will position Brazil as a catalyst for discussions on global and regional environmental issues, including the reduction of greenhouse gases, adaptation to climate change, financing for developing countries, preservation of forests and biodiversity, use of renewable energy and low-carbon solutions, and the social impacts of climate change.
Brazil is home to one of the world’s largest tropical rainforests, which are crucial in mitigating climate change's effects. COP30 allows Brazil to showcase its efforts and commitments to environmental conservation and sustainable development, highlighting the importance of protecting the Amazon rainforest for the planet's ecological balance.
The projects will become a true legacy for the population. The macro-drainage projects, for example, will improve the quality of life in areas most in need of basic sanitation. Furthermore, an event of this magnitude raises the city's visibility on the global stage, boosting tourism — which has already doubled in the first half of 2024 — generating jobs, income, and transforming lives" - Valter Correia, COP30 Extraordinary Secretary
INVESTMENTS — The Federal Government has invested approximately BRL 4.7 billion in preparations for the event, including funds from the General Budget, Brazil’s Development Bank (BNDES), and Itaipu. The investment translates into a series of projects to meet the increasing demand for transportation, accommodation, and adequate venues for the Summit.
“The projects will become a true legacy for the population. The macro-drainage projects, for example, will improve the quality of life in areas most in need of basic sanitation. Furthermore, an event of this magnitude raises the city's visibility on the global stage, boosting tourism — which has already doubled in the first half of 2024 — generating jobs, income, and transforming lives," explained the COP30 Extraordinary Secretary Valter Correia.
PROJECTS — Among the main projects are the renovations of the Ver-o-Peso Complex and the São Brás Market, as well as the construction of the São Joaquim Linear Park, carried out by the city government. Between them, these projects will receive around BRL 299 million in funds. The Federal Government is adapting the Belém Air Base infrastructure through an investment of BRL 25.8 million.
In addition to reorganizing traffic, the Doca Linear Park renovation project will enhance travel conditions and traffic flow on Visconde de Souza Franco Avenue while creating living spaces that reflect the community's use of the area.
Following an investment of BRL 366 million by Itaipu, 34% of the projects have already been concluded. The Tamandaré Avenue project, which is already 22% complete, involves renovating the canal, building a linear park, and conducting sanitation projects.
The City Park and Porto Futuro II are also vital projects. At the City Park, where the conference will be held, approximately 70% of the planned projects have already been completed. Built on 500,000 m² of a former airport site, the park is one of the significant legacies of COP for Belém. After the conference, it will be handed over to the public. The final design includes an aviation museum, a creative economy center, a gastronomic boulevard, a cycle and eco trail, preserved green spaces, an artificial lake, and sports facilities to promote quality of life, leisure, culture, art, and well-being.
The Hangar Convention Center is an existing venue connected to City Park and will be part of the COP30 Blue Zone. It hosted G20 meetings in 2024 and is currently undergoing renovations in preparation for the UN conference in Belém.
At Porto Futuro II, five warehouses loaned by Companhia Docas do Pará (CDP) to the Pará government are being restored and will be transformed into a leisure and gastronomy complex. The complex will feature an innovative bioeconomy hub and become a new tourist attraction in the city. The space will showcase popular culture, intangible heritage, Amazonian history, gastronomic experiences, and Pará’s biodiversity, offering a unique experience for visitors. More than 50% of the project has already been completed.
PREPARATIONS — Urban infrastructure, transportation, accommodation, security, and sustainability are among the leading investment priorities, which ensure that the event takes place efficiently and safely. In urban infrastructure, significant renovations are being carried out on public roads, and basic sanitation and water supply systems are being expanded and modernized.
Urban mobility is also a priority, with investments aimed at expanding public transportation lines, including constructing new cycle paths and improving access roads. These initiatives are designed to facilitate delegation movement during COP30 in Belém and enhance residents' long-term quality of life.
The expansion of Rua da Marinha will create an urban corridor to alleviate traffic congestion in the region. This corridor will reduce travel times in Belém and the Metropolitan Region while promoting urban development with improved mobility. The project spans 3.384 km, with 2.55 km extending from Augusto Montenegro Avenue to Santarém Avenue and 834 meters from Santarém Avenue to Centenário Avenue.
HOTELS — Accommodation is another crucial aspect of the preparations. To address this, new hotels are being built alongside renovating and modernizing existing facilities. These efforts will ensure that delegations can access comfortable, high-quality accommodations that meet the international standards required for an event of this scale. The Federal Government is supporting the construction of new hotels in Belém by transferring land in the port area and the old.
According to Secretary Valter Correia, one of the main challenges is accommodation, which is being addressed through partnerships involving the state of Pará, the city of Belém, and the private sector. The federal government has already invested 100 million BRL from the General Tourism Fund (Fundo Geral de Turismo/FUNGETUR) to enhance the quality of hotels and tourism services.
"We are also constructing the Leaders' Village, which will offer around 500 five-star rooms, leaving a legacy for the city after the conference," said Correia. With an investment of BRL 224 million from Itaipu, the accommodations will house part of the delegations from participating countries. After COP30, the village will serve as the administrative center for the state government.
"We have been in discussions with accommodation platforms to expand the availability of rental properties in Belém, which holds great potential for growth in these services. Additionally, two five-star hotels are being built in the city's port area, while the state government is preparing schools and other facilities to increase their capacity for hosting visitors. We are also working on securing two cruise ships to accommodate around 5,000 people," he explained.
The local population is highly engaged, and this is the main topic of conversation in Belém. Preparing people also includes offering vocational and language courses, an initiative that will transform lives and enhance employability after the conference” - Valter Correia, COP30 Extraordinary Secretary
SECURITY — Security is also a key concern for hosting COP in the Amazon. The state of Pará is reinforcing its police presence and deploying advanced technology to monitor and ensure participants' safety. Surveillance systems, access control, and intensified patrolling are among the measures implemented to maintain a safe environment throughout the event.
SUSTAINABILITY — Sustainability is a central pillar in the preparations for COP 30. Renewable energy projects, waste management, and environmental preservation initiatives are being implemented to minimize the event's ecological impact.
Holding the Summit in Belém will transform the city into an example of sustainable development and modern infrastructure. "We are hiring a sustainability consultancy for the entire COP30 process, covering contracting, services and all conference operations so that sustainability measures are integrated into the full scope of COP's structure and not limited to isolated actions," stated Correia.
LEGACY — Infrastructure investments for the city will provide lasting benefits for the region’s residents. "The local population is highly engaged, and it is all anyone talks about in Belém. Preparing people also involves offering vocational and language courses, an initiative that will transform lives and expand employment opportunities after the conference," concluded the secretary.