My mission to Brazil focused on showcasing the post-disaster recovery work undertaken in Minas Gerais, participating in the World Water Forum and engaging with political leaders in the country to forge stronger ties with UN Environment. Fundao Dam burst in November 2015 in Mariana, Minas Gerais which resulted in flooding of surrounding area, including Bento Rodrigues. The catastrophe has been described as the worst environmental disaster in the history of Brazil as huge amount of iron waste flowed into the Doce River and reached the mouth of the river and eventually into the Atlantic Ocean.
I was impressed by the restoration work underway at the Dam burst site. Renova Foundation is working with local communities to restore the environment along the Doce River and estuaries. I interacted with farmers and pastoralists who were affected by the disaster but have managed to restart their business with support. I believe this is an excellent example of how communities can recover from such disasters and our Brazil office will work closely with the Renova Foundation in establishing a Centre of Excellence on disaster recovery. This example holds important lessons for our work on disaster and conflict.
In Brasilia, I represented UN Environment at the Eighth World Water Forum and launched the World Water Development Report 2018 together with Audrey Azoulay, Director General of UNESCO.
I was delighted to see Chief Justices from around the world, including UN Environment’s long-time friend Justice Antonio Herman Benjamin of Brazil, coming together to highlight the important role of the judiciary in sustainable water management.
