Meet Belém: The capital of the Amazon that will host COP 30

Belém, Pará, a city rich in history, culture, and biodiversity, has been chosen by the United Nations to host the Conference of the Parties (COP 30) in 2025. This decision marks a historic moment for the city and for Brazil, highlighting the importance of the Amazon in the global fight against climate change.

The Conference of the Parties, or COP, is the supreme decision-making body of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). COP 30, to be held in 2025, will be the 30th annual meeting of member countries to assess progress in the fight against climate change. During the conference, countries discuss and negotiate agreements to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, adapt to the impacts of climate change, and finance these actions.

COP is a crucial event for global climate governance as it is where decisions are made to tackle one of the greatest challenges of our time. The selection of Belém, Pará as the host city for COP 30 highlights the importance of the Amazon and Brazil in the fight against climate change.

We have high expectations for COP-30 in Belém, a city that faces structural challenges mirroring those of many other cities around the world. We view the criticism received, especially on social media, as an opportunity to discuss and address these issues, particularly considering that 80% of the world’s population lives in urban areas. The preparation for the event will involve various construction projects and improvements that will leave a legacy for the population, revitalizing significant areas of Belém and creating new community spaces. However, the greatest expectation lies in the intangible legacy of COP-30, reflected in the debates, information, and ideas that will foster a deeper understanding of the climate challenges among the inhabitants of the Amazon and Belém.

Sérgio Brazão e Silva, Municipal Secretary of Climate Change.

Belém is the capital of the state of Pará, located in the northern region of Brazil. The city was founded by the Portuguese, becoming one of the first European settlements in the Amazon. Situated in northern Brazil, it is a charming and vibrant city. With a tropical climate, it boasts rich biodiversity and a strong regional culture. The influence of the Amazon rainforest is visible in the daily life of the city and the lifestyle of its inhabitants, who take pride in their roots and traditions.

The city is known for its rich culture, blending indigenous, African, and European influences. Belém is famous for its popular festivities, such as the Círio de Nazaré, one of the largest and most beautiful Catholic processions in Brazil and the world. Additionally, the city is an important gastronomic hub, being the birthplace of delights like açaí, pato no tucupi, maniçoba, and tacacá.

Belém is also known as the “City of Mango Trees” due to the abundance of these trees lining its streets and squares. The city is home to the Emílio Goeldi Museum, one of the most important centers for natural history research in the Amazon, and the Theatro da Paz, one of Brazil’s most significant theaters from the 19th century.

The choice of Belém to host COP 30 is a recognition of the importance of the Amazon in the fight against climate change. The region is one of the world’s largest carbon sinks and houses unparalleled biodiversity. The conference will be an opportunity for the world to turn its attention to the Amazon and the challenges the region faces.

COP 30 in Belém will undoubtedly be a historic event. The city, with its rich history and culture, and the Amazon, with its crucial importance to the global climate, will serve as the perfect stage for discussions and decisions that will shape the future of our planet.