As the Amazonian city of Belém, Brazil, stands poised to host COP30 in 2025, Helder Barbalho, Governor of the State of Pará, northern Brazil, views this critical conference as a launchpad for elevating the discourse on environmental protection and unlocking the Amazon rainforest’s full potential as a force for positive change.
Speaking to the Emirates News Agency (WAM) during the ongoing COP28, Barbalho emphasised the multifaceted benefits of hosting the conference in Belém. He sees COP30 as a springboard for valuing the Amazon’s environmental riches, stimulating the creation of green jobs, and establishing a robust bioeconomy as a new driver for the global economic and carbon markets.
By leveraging the forest’s potential, Barbalho believes, efficient solutions can be forged that address environmental, social, and economic challenges simultaneously: ‘We can reconcile the environmental, social and economic challenges.’
The candidacy of Belém as host of COP30 was formally presented by President of Brazil Lu
iz Inácio Lula da Silva, shortly after his election last year. This bold move to champion environmental action marked a significant turning point in Brazil’s commitment to tackling climate change.
Discussing cooperation with the UAE at COP28, Barbalho revealed that he signed an agreement with the COP28 Presidency to build partnerships and take advantage of Dubai’s experience and bring it to Belém. He noted the importance of collaboration, calling for ‘joining forces around a cause that is the environmental cause and the social cause of the planet.’
Barbalho highlighted COP28 as a crucial platform for dialogue, underscoring the need to listen to diverse voices from society, leaders, academia, and science. He emphasised the urgency of crafting solutions, stating this is an opportunity to unite the world, raise ambitions, and address the climate emergencies impacting our planet.
Pará positioned itself at COP28 as a champion for the Amazon, urging its centrality in environmental discussions and climate action.
Barbalho said, “A state once known for environmental challenges is transforming its model to ensure sustainable development, prioritising the well-being of its people, traditional industries, and innovative initiatives that place the forest at the heart of protecting both the environment and our communities.”
Pará’s commitment to sustainability was underscored by its recent achievement: reclaiming the top spot in combating deforestation among Amazon states. Data from the National Institute for Space Research revealed a 32.6 percent decrease in deforestation alerts during the first half of 2023 compared to the same period in 2022. This historic shift marks Pará’s leadership in reversing deforestation trends within the Amazon region.
Source: Emirates News Agency