"Belém will not be the same after COP30," says Tereza Campello.
BNDES Director details structural actions in the capital of Pará and announces unprecedented expansion of the forest restoration agenda in the country.
247 - The director of BNDES and former Minister of Social Development, Tereza Campello, presented a bold and transformative vision on the legacy of the Climate Conference during the seminar. "The energy transition and the sustainability of the future", held on July 9th in Rio de Janeiro, with the support of Brazil 247 and from the Chinese portal GuanchaIn his speech, Campello announced that the bank is leading a series of structural investments in Belém and revealed that the demand for credit for forest restoration projects has exceeded R$ 4 billion — an unprecedented figure in Brazil.
“Belém will not be the same after the COP,” she stated. “We are carrying out structural adaptation works, preparing Belém not for the COP, but to be a different city.” According to her, the BNDES is restoring twelve urban drainage canals, directly benefiting approximately 500 people who currently live in at-risk areas. “Most importantly: none of these works are on tourist routes. This is not cosmetic, it is real transformation.”
National pride and contrast with press coverage
Tereza highlighted the enthusiasm of the event participants regarding Brazil's actions on the environmental agenda and criticized the treatment given by the mainstream press to the preparation process for COP 30. "The press only talks about accommodation prices and the lack of infrastructure. But we have been working since the beginning of 2023, together with the state government, to change the reality of the city."
According to her, President Lula didn't choose Belém by chance. "He knew about the logistical and historical challenges. He wanted the world to see the real Amazon, with its contrasts and its urgent needs. And that's what we're showing: Brazil has concrete solutions."
A new phase for BNDES and for the country.
The director revealed that the bank's actions in Belém mark the beginning of a new approach to public investments. “We are talking about drainage, integrated urbanization, flood control. Climate adaptation is not a minor issue; it is strategic. And public banks have returned to fulfilling their role.”
Campello emphasized that BNDES is leading a process to rebuild the financing capacity of states and municipalities, especially focused on climate change. "We are investing in adaptation because we know that poor countries are the most affected and have the fewest resources to face the effects of extreme weather."
Historic progress on the forestry agenda
The bank director also presented important new developments in the area of forest restoration. "Today we have almost R$ 4 billion in loan applications for restoration projects. This has never happened before. It's a good problem: we need more resources."
According to her, BNDES is restructuring its operations to make this agenda viable and attractive to the private sector. “We are taking risks, convincing companies that forest restoration is economically viable. And Brazil has everything it takes to be a world leader in this area. We have the land, we have the people, we have the knowledge.”
Carbon credit auction and innovative model
Tereza Campello also announced a new BNDES initiative, developed in partnership with Petrobras: an auction connecting suppliers and buyers of carbon credits. “We will initially put R$ 50 million into the market, with a high standard of credibility. This will help to further boost forest restoration and will be a great showcase for Brazil at COP.”
She highlighted that the bank is creating the conditions for Brazilian carbon credits to be reliable, traceable, and transparent. "This is another area where we want to be an international benchmark."
The legacy of COP 30 goes beyond the event.
For Tereza, the work being done in Belém isn't just for show, but to transform lives. "We're carrying out projects where the population needs them most, not in areas frequented by visitors. And we want to take this model to other cities in Brazil."
Concluding her speech with firmness and enthusiasm, she summarized what is at stake: “Adaptation is one of the greatest advantages that Brazil can present to the world at this COP. And BNDES is doing its part, with courage, innovation, and commitment to the future.” Watch:
