Brazil’s Civil Society Faces Challenges as COP30 Approaches

COP30 climate summit is set for November in Brazil’s Belém, drawing considerable attention towards the role of civil society amid logistical and financial challenges. President André Corrêa do Lago has invited broader public participation, aiming to shift conservative negotiations. However, challenges remain with high accommodation costs and limited access for local groups. The forthcoming People’s Summit will further highlight climate justice issues as protests increase in expectation of COP30.

As the much-anticipated COP30 climate summit approaches, taking place in Belém, Brazil this November, the commitment of Brazil’s civil society is being put to the test. André Corrêa do Lago, the conference’s president, and Ana Toni, the executive director, have been vocal about the importance of civil society’s involvement in the summit. Earlier this year, Corrêa do Lago particularly emphasized the need for wider public engagement.

After years when negotiations seemed stagnant, he believes that civil pressure could aid in overcoming conservative stances from negotiating parties. “If there isn’t a great involvement of civil society, of the most varied actors, it’s very difficult for governments to do their best,” he stated in an interview with Amazonian outlet Sumaúma.

There is a noticeable shift from previous COPs, which took place in countries where authoritarian regimes often stifle freedom of speech and protest. Such restrictions made it challenging for social movements to engage fully. Past COPs limited activists to designated areas, unlike the broader participation expected at COP30.

The Brazilian government has responded differently this time, forming a technical working group aimed at enhancing social participation. Among other initiatives, the People’s Circle is part of COP30’s Leadership Circles, which aims to amplify the voices of Indigenous peoples, traditional communities, and Afro-descendants. Yet there is skepticism about these efforts.

Stela Herschmann from the Climate Observatory expressed cautious optimism but noted, “We still don’t know clearly how these initiatives will work in practice.” Activist Savio Carvalho of 350.org believes Brazil should prioritize genuine engagement instead of token gestures. He says participation at COP is not a favor from the government but a right.

However, significant barriers remain for participation, particularly concerning logistics and finances. Accommodation costs in Belém have skyrocketed, reportedly reaching BRL 2 million ($354,000) for a two-week stay. As a result, local organizations, minorities within the Amazon, and those in the state of Pará find themselves grappling with challenges that hinder their participation significantly.

In late March, Valter Correia da Silva, the government’s special secretary for COP30, voiced intentions to tackle exploitative pricing, articulating that abusive accommodation rates could be criminalized. Yet, there appears to be little progress as Carvalho highlights that many remain uncertain about where they’ll stay.

Additionally, international funding cuts for climate issues, including the U.S. halting extensive aid, compound these challenges. Alisi Rabukawaqa-Nacewa, with 350.org, addressed these dilemmas, stating: “When we manage to access funds, the question is: should we be physically at the COP…” The costs demand consideration beyond mere attendance.

Historically, COP participation has surged, with attendance nearly tripling from COP21 in 2015 to COP28, where almost 84,000 attended. Herschmann interprets this growth as a necessary reaction to worsening climate conditions. Still, mere attendance does not guarantee engagement in deliberations. Access to the crucial negotiating area, or Blue Zone, is just for organizations with UNFCCC observer status—a status that remains elusive for many.

Moreover, the growing presence of oil industry lobbyists at these conferences raises further concerns. At COP28, for example, industry representatives vastly outnumbered national delegations, contesting the integrity of proceedings. Herschmann remarked on the rewarding of interests tied to these lobbyists and the conflicts this creates.

Indigenous demands are becoming increasingly pronounced, with calls for co-presidency of COP30. In a letter to Corrêa do Lago from the Coordination of Indigenous Organizations of the Brazilian Amazon, they stress their wish to partake in negotiations equally alongside heads of state.

Progress has been made, such as the establishment of the International Indigenous Commission aimed at elevating Indigenous voices within the summit. Sila Mesquita from the Amazon Working Group Network indicated that while these are positive steps, they do not foster wholly independent civil engagement.

Alongside the official COP30 proceedings, the People’s Summit—a gathering of more than 500 organizations—is set to occur simultaneously, aiming to spotlight climate justice and drive discussions on critical local environmental issues. Participants anticipate mobilizing upwards of 30,000 and tackling subjects from energy transitions to corporate accountability.

Herschmann argues effective civil society action inside the Blue Zone will not suffice given the wider geopolitical climate threatening meaningful engagement. The voice from the streets could carry even greater weight, she suggests. However, there are concerns over the Pará government’s response to anticipated protests. After a recent protest ended in pepper spray and power cuts, questions linger about how civil society will be treated come November. Carvalho put it succinctly: “It’s still too early to say anything.”

With COP30 on the horizon, the role of civil society in Brazil remains a focal point of discussion. While engagement initiatives have been introduced, significant barriers to participation persist, notably in terms of logistics and funding. As both Indigenous groups and local organizations push for their voices to be heard, the effectiveness of these efforts will likely depend heavily on how well they can navigate the complex landscape of this international summit. Activist sentiments underscore a strong desire for true representation against a backdrop of shifting climate action stakes.

Original Source: www.eco-business.com