Belém, the capital of Pará, is set to host 2025 UN Climate Change Conference (COP30), marking the first time a COP will be hosted in the Amazon. There are some studies suggesting that a tipping point for the Amazon could be reached in about 30 years if no action is done. Pará is trying to reverse this trend. Last year, the state achieved a 36% reduction in deforestation rates, despite being in a region still challenged by illegal logging and land clearance.
In the context of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), Global Stocktake and forest-related targets, Pará has set ambitious targets including ending deforestation by 2030, which aligns with international climate goals, and commited to reforest over 1 million hectares by 2035 as part of its Green Recovery Plan.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) will highlight collaboration between the two parties and make sure that UNEP plays a leading voice at the COP30. This partnership will also help secure dedicated spaces for advocacy and elevate the focus on forests and Nature-based Solutions which, as observed, is being sidelined at COP29.
The signing is set to happen on 26 September during New York Climate Week.
