Itaipu defends regenerative agriculture as an ally of the climate at a UN conference.
During a preparatory event for COP30 in Germany, the state-owned company presented initiatives that integrate agricultural production, clean energy, and social justice in the territories.
247 - During the 62nd Conference of UN Subsidiary Bodies (SB62), held from June 16 to 26 in Bonn, Germany, regenerative agriculture emerged as one of the main topics of discussion, alongside the energy transition. The event, which serves as preparation for COP30 — scheduled for November in Belém (PA) — brought together experts and representatives from various countries to discuss concrete ways to combat climate change. One of the Brazilian voices at the meeting was that of Itaipu Binacional, which presented its experiences in sustainable practices in the field.
According to information released by Itaipu itself, the head of the company's Brasília office, Lígia Leite Soares, highlighted in the debate the importance of integrating agricultural production, energy generation, and environmental preservation. “To make the necessary changes in the means of production and consumption, it is fundamental to listen to the people and value local solutions. Therefore, Itaipu implements its actions with participatory management and uses innovation as a tool to promote social justice, strengthening people and the ecological transition in the territories,” she stated.
Lígia's presentation addressed the company's operations in 434 municipalities in Paraná and Mato Grosso do Sul, through the program. Itaipu More than EnergyThe initiative coordinates actions to care for water, soil, people, and ecosystems as inseparable parts of hydroelectric power generation. Projects aligned with the Brazilian government's Action Agenda for COP30 were highlighted, such as... Sustainable Solidarity Kitchens — which promote the use of biogas and value care work — and the program of Sustainable Rural Development, which supports 7 family farmers with technical assistance and the use of artificial intelligence.
The debate also included the participation of Hunter Lovins, president of Natural Capitalism Solutions, and Million Belay, coordinator of the Alliance for Food Sovereignty in Africa. Both reinforced the importance of local and community-based solutions as a global response to the climate crisis. Belay highlighted the campaign. My food is Africa as a tool for promoting African food culture, and reported on exchanges with small producers in India who are betting on agroecology and strengthening soil microbiology as a way to ensure climate resilience.
“Among the results, we see that today African negotiators are addressing agroecology within the framework of the G77+China. We also see that the European Union has included sustainable agricultural practices as measures to address the climate crisis in the Climate Council,” said Belay.
Closing the panel, Hunter Lovins argued that agroecological practices have the power to transform small family farmers into protagonists of change. "We're talking about making these small family farmers not the victims, but the heroes of the climate," he declared. And he added optimistically: "All the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are related to agriculture. In other words, we know how to solve the climate crisis and we will do it."
Itaipu's participation in the debate highlights the growing appreciation for public and business policies focused on regenerative agriculture, especially in countries with great ecological diversity and leadership potential in combating climate change, such as Brazil.