The City of Belém, host of COP30 and capital of Pará in the Brazilian Amazon, is taking a decisive step toward a more climate-resilient and sustainable future. During the COP30 Local Leaders Forum (LLF), the City Climate Finance Gap Fund (Gap Fund) announced the approval of technical assistance to support the preparation of a portfolio of Nature-based Solutions (NbS) projects focused on water and climate resilience. Covering Belém, with the potential to expand to neighbouring cities, this initiative strengthens urban resilience and advances low-carbon development across one of Brazil’s most climate-vulnerable regions.

This milestone builds on the close collaboration between the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy (GCoM), the Gap Fund, and the Municipality of Belém. Since 2023, the GCoM team has worked closely with city representatives, providing targeted mentoring and technical support. Through a series of bilateral technical meetings, hands-on guidance on defining the project scope, and iterative expert feedback on the NbS approach, the regional team strengthened municipal capacity and successfully guided the city through the Gap Fund application process. This engagement helped Belém articulate a coherent NbS vision and align it with national and international climate strategies ahead of COP30.

“It is a strategic priority for us to continue supporting Brazil in delivering its National Adaptation Plan, particularly by addressing urban flooding, enhancing sanitation efficiency and strengthening ecosystem resilience through nature-based solutions. Building on a strong portfolio of projects that has already benefited municipalities such as Campinas, Rio de Janeiro and Palmas– with the latter having secured finance and progressing towards implementation – we remain fully committed to deepening this collaboration”, highlighted Hassan Mouatadid, Senior Urban Specialist acting Head of the Gap Fund, European Investment Bank.

Located at the confluence of the Guamá River and the Guajará Bay, Belém and its metropolitan area face recurrent flooding, urban heat, and ecosystem degradation. The technical assistance will help refine existing early-stage NbS concepts and include hydrological and geotechnical modelling, preliminary engineering designs, financial structuring, and environmental and socio-economic assessments. The support will also strengthen institutional capacity across departments and agencies in all participating jurisdictions, demonstrating the benefits of aggregation and multilevel governance. This aligns with Brazil’s concept of ‘Climate Federalism’ as expressed in its national climate plan or NDC, where multilevel partnerships and a strong urban focus in the NDC elevate cities and states’ roles in delivering emissions reductions and climate resilience at scale. 

“Belém is experiencing one of the most important moments in its recent history. As the host city of COP30, we assume, before Brazil and the world, the responsibility of leading, with courage and commitment, the construction of a more resilient, sustainable and just future. This partnership is an achievement that marks a concrete advance in our capacity to respond to the climate challenges that affect everyone’s lives”, said Igor Normando, Mayor of Belém.

The use of Nature Based Solutions (NbS) has emerged as a priority in the region, and through wetland restoration, green corridor creation, and sustainable drainage systems, the project seeks to reduce flood risks, improve water quality, and enhance biodiversity. These actions will create healthier, more liveable urban environments for the city residents, particularly those in vulnerable, flood-prone neighbourhoods. The need to accelerate finance for adaptation and the relevance of NbS were also highly emphasised during the COP30 LLF high-level session, where the announcement was made.

The Gap Fund Technical Assistance will establish a solid technical and operational foundation for a future bankable investment portfolio, aligned with international climate finance standards and the forthcoming EIB-BNDES operation. By positioning Belém within this emerging framework, the Gap Fund’s support will help ensure the city’s readiness to access larger-scale financing for implementation in the years ahead.

“Climate Action happens when the ambition and needs from local governments connect with the right instruments and opportunities. The recently approved technical assistance will unlock projects that can transform urban ecosystems and reduce climate risk in one of the world’s most strategic regions. The Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy is proud to serve as a bridge, enabling and accelerating local climate action in thousands of cities across the globe”, commented Johanna Granados Alcala, Head of the GCoM-Gap Fund Partnership.

This milestone adds to Belém’s climate commitments and highlights the value of partnership and collaboration. At COP30, the Municipality of Belém, the City of Paris, and the Global Covenant of Mayors signed the Paris & Belém Agreement, establishing bilateral technical cooperation on sustainable urban development, climate action, and innovative governance.