BELÉM IS COMING: A LOCAL ANALYSIS OF THE WORLD'S BIGGEST CLIMATE CONFERENCE, COP 30.
The year 2025 will be decisive for the climate and environmental agenda. After 29 editions, it will be the first time that the Conference of the Parties on Climate will be held on Brazilian soil, especially in Belém do Pará, one of the largest capitals in the north of the country.
It took a good deal of political coordination to bring the thirtieth edition of the COP to Belém. First of all, because we're talking about a relatively small city, when compared to the locations of the last editions of the mega-event, and, in addition, Brazil had options that were considered “safer” in logistical terms, such as Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, but there is a special reason why Belém was chosen to host COP 30, and it's very simple to understand: the world needs to debate preservation, conservation and financing in the Amazon, looking at the Amazon and its natural beauty, in addition to the many challenges that an urbanized city faces.
In addition, COP 30 has a great appeal for the civil community, since social movements have long been distant from the halls where the future of the planet has been discussed in previous editions of the Conference, including traditional and peripheral communities. In this sense, the Peoples' Summit, which has not participated in the COPs for three years, is already organizing to be represented in Belém.
In Belém, issues of great importance will be discussed, such as climate finance, which fell 1 billion dollars short of what was expected at COP 29, and the revision and expansion of the NDCs, in view of the 10th anniversary of the Paris Agreement. The organization of the event is preparing the so-called “Belem Charter”, which will symbolize a new agreement by the countries on their climate goals.
The fact is that the vast majority of the almost 60,000 people who will come to the capital of Pará in November 2025 know little about the Amazon from a practical point of view - after all, we're talking about 11 days living in Belém and that certainly includes a stroll here and there, among the many meetings and activities of the Conference.
From that point of view, as a resident of Belém, I think it's extremely important to clarify any doubts that may arise, as well as to give you a preview of what could happen here between November 10 and 21.
Well, Belém do Pará is known as the city of mango trees, a title earned by the beautiful corridors formed by these trees in the city center, which provide shade, help to reduce the thermal sensation, and keep the climate milder, but be careful when parking your car, or a mango could break your windshield (seriously).
On the other hand, we are talking about a city that has expanded in a disorganized way, so that alongside the so-called “prime area” of the city, there are several outlying neighborhoods, where trees are still scarce and the population suffers from floods, especially in the Amazonian winter, a period that runs from December to March and is marked by intense rainfall. Due to the lack of access to basic sanitation, irregular waste disposal, and poorly planned construction, floods affect many families, and businesses and even jeopardize traffic in the region.
However, for COP 30, the city is undergoing several transformations and sanitation is part of the legacy of work that will remain for the population. As a city irrigated by eight large basins, we have several canals, and two of the largest are being transformed into linear parks, which, as well as increasing green areas and reducing heat islands, will also help with rainwater drainage, which tends to reduce the risk of flooding (I hope they work well).
Many people have shown great concern about the accommodation and, frankly, I think this is the most sensitive point so far. Belém doesn't have the number of beds needed to meet the demands of COP 30, so a great collective effort is being made by the municipal, state, and federal governments, the private sector, and the population itself to ensure that everyone has somewhere to stay comfortably during the event. The controversy, however, lies in the amount that some hosts on platforms such as Booking and Airbnb have been charging, which is considered abusive (apartments costing millions). The federal government has informed us that it has a team dedicated to making these people aware so that the prices of these accommodations are reduced, and I believe they will succeed.
On the other hand, some hotel chains are settling in the capital and building very beautiful and cozy developments, such as the Portuguese chain Tivoli, which is rapidly building a luxury hotel in an old public building given to the private sector by the government. The Lusitanians have also acquired a warehouse on the shores of Guajará Bay and are building the Vila Galé Collection Amazônia hotel, a kind of boutique hotel. In addition, the state government is preparing the COP 30 Village to welcome leaders and heads of state from 190 countries to take part in the event. For the general public, some public schools will be prepared to serve as dormitories, thus expanding access to accommodation beds. Those who prefer will also be able to stay on Combu Island, located opposite the city of Belém, a place of direct contact with nature and very close to the capital. Some ocean liners may anchor near the Outeiro district, allowing you to stay on board in comfort.
I'm sure that the experience of those who come for the event will be the best possible, after all, this is where we manage to gather 2 million people in the streets of the city on the second Sunday of every October, to follow the largest Catholic procession in the world, the Círio de Nazaré (it's worth remembering that Belém has 1.3 million inhabitants). Unlike the COP, during the Círio tourists not only fill up the hotels but also stay with friends and relatives, so accommodation is never a problem during this period.
Finally, those who come to the COP can expect to be well-received by people who love to be visited and appreciated. You will be in one of the creative cities of gastronomy, recognized by UNESCO, which attests to the fact that our cuisine is recognized worldwide for its diversity and unique flavors. Take the opportunity to visit the various islands around Belém, such as Cotijuba, Combu, and Ilha das Onças. Eat local products and help boost the economy.
If you're thinking of coming before or staying after the event, I suggest a trip to the island of Marajó, where in the towns of Soure, Salvaterra, and Joanes you'll have unique experiences, such as the famous buffalo ride, as well as visiting the archipelago's most beautiful beaches. In the western region of Pará, visit Alter do Chão, known as the “Brazilian Caribbean”. The city of Bragança, in the northeast of the state, tells a little of our history, with its narrow streets and old mansions. But if you prefer to stay in Belém, be sure to visit the ver-o-peso market, the largest open-air market in Latin America, and try the fried fish with açaí and juices from the most diverse fruits. Don't miss out on Pará's nightlife, listening to carimbó, or going to a stereo party.
Belém will leave you full of good memories, come with an open heart, and get to know the city without too many judgments, I guarantee that you will return home transformed.
By André Oliveira
A social analyst from the Amazon who lives on the outskirts of Belém do Pará. He has worked in the socio-environmental sector and relations with traditional communities in the state of Pará for 17 years.
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