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COP 30: Amazon Rainforests (Nov. 16)
As host, Brazil is emphasizing forest protection, restoration, nature-based solutions, and presenting itself as a leader in this area, with recognition of Amazonia as a global climate asset. Indigenous groups protested in the first days of COP30, demanding protection of their territories, river rights, rejection of industrial projects (railways, mining) and attention to Amazon deforestation.
Brazil is hosting the 30th Conference of the Parties (COP30) in Belém, Pará, Brazil, on November 10-21, 2025. The chosen city is firmly rooted in the heart of the Amazon at the gateway to the largest rainforest in the world. The host country, Belém in Brazil, is symbolic since it is located in the Amazon region and the Brazilian government has emphasized forest protection, aiming to place it at the center of COP30: Amazonia.
Brazil highlights its electricity mix (~90 % renewables) and says deforestation rates have been halved compared to the previous administration. But contradictions remain: deforestation remains significant (~4,495 km² between August 2024–July 2025) and Brazil is pushing controversial oil exploration near the Amazon delta which has raised concerns.
Indigenous groups, particularly from the Munduruku people, blocked the main entrance to the venue in protest in the first days of COP30, demanding protection of their territories, river rights, rejection of industrial projects (railways, mining) and attention to Amazon deforestation. Later in the week, thousands of protesters, including indigenous leaders and youth activists, marched outside COP30, calling out governments for the slow pace of action on deforestation, fossil-fuel extraction and land rights.
On a personal note, the protest-delayed opening of COP30 on Friday, November 14, allowed Ram Ramanan and Merlyn Hough, the A&WMA official observers, to visit Mangal das Garças and view both Belém and the Amazon rainforests from a better perspective. The naturalistic park is one of the most noteworthy site-seeing sites in the region and showcases the different floristic macro-regions of the area, including the upland forests, the floodplain forests and the grasslands. The observation tower in Mangal das Garças provides excellent views (see photo) of the Belém skyline and the rainforests of the Pará region. Tropical rainforest is the natural vegetation in and around the city of Belém.As host, Brazil is emphasizing forest protection, restoration, nature-based solutions, and presenting itself as a leader in this area, with recognition of Amazonia as a global climate asset. At the same time, questions remain about deforestation trends and fossil-fuel policy within Brazil. The host's credibility and internal tensions matter. Climate leadership at home, policy trade-offs, and the forest agenda are under the spotlight.
By the end of the first week, a draft “Council conclusions” text highlights the commitment to halting and reversing deforestation and degradation by 2030, recognizing that conserving and restoring ecosystems (terrestrial, freshwater, marine) are critical for both mitigation and adaptation. Additional action is expected next week. Stay tuned.
Ram Ramanan and Merlyn Hough, as official A&WMA observers of COP30, will be communicating back to the A&WMA members in real time through a blog that will be available to all members through the Association website. Posts from COP30 and previous COPs can be found on the A&WMA blog page at: https://www.awma.org/blog_home.asp?Category=12
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