BELÉM, BRAZIL - Located in the heart of the Brazilian Amazon, Belém is in a frenzy to secure accommodation ahead of the 30th United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP30) scheduled for November. With an expected delegation of around 50,000 people, a deepening shortage of hotel rooms has the organizing committee and local residents scrambling to arrange temporary lodging.

Belém, a city of 1.3 million residents and not a primary tourist destination in Brazil, has raised questions about the decision to host COP30. However, the organizing committee has pledged to secure at least 24,000 additional accommodations, including approximately 7,300 temporary options utilizing public schools and military barracks. Notably, a "COP30 Village" featuring 400 suites for heads of state and key figures is being newly constructed to alleviate logistical burdens through pre-summit speeches.

Hana Ghassan, the Vice Governor of Pará state, stated that the official COP30 accommodation platform will be launched soon and that securing additional lodging will help curb the surge in accommodation costs.

Meanwhile, local residents are expressing optimism about the potential economic benefits from this large-scale international event. The registration of private residences on short-term rental platforms like Airbnb has surged, and a variety of accommodation options, ranging from luxury yacht guesthouses to newly renovated motels, are emerging across different price points.

Clayzon Chagas (43), who runs a river tour company, said, "For us, COP30 has already begun, not in November." While he usually conducts tours of the surrounding islands for tourists, recognizing the shortage of accommodation, he has secured yachts in the Amazon region and is currently negotiating contracts with four international delegations. Each yacht can provide up to ten rooms, and for delegations requiring more space, he also offers ferry boats with 34 to 50 rooms. Chagas added, "Everything can be adjusted according to the customer's needs. Some clients prefer contracts that include everything from a chef and cleaning services to transportation."

Opportunity to Solve Pollution Problems?

Two large cruise ships are scheduled to anchor near the peaceful island of Outeiro, near Belém, providing approximately 4,500 accommodations. Experts point out that significant port construction, environmental protection measures, and improvements to transportation networks connecting to the conference venue will be necessary for this.

Aline Meiguins da Silva, a geology professor and researcher at the Federal University of Pará, emphasized the need for substantial dredging work to ensure the safe docking of large vessels. She urged authorities to seize this opportunity to clean up Outeiro's polluted beaches and crack down on pollution from ships. Professor da Silva stated, "Public authorities must pay attention to providing a high-quality environment befitting the arrival of cruise ships and leaving a legacy for COP30."

However, six months before the event, some Outeiro residents are not well-informed about the conference or their expectations, and they are calling on the government to assist with preparations and provide tangible benefits to local businesses. Socorro Soares (54), who runs a restaurant in front of the port, expressed concern, saying, "We've heard talk about some construction, but there hasn't been any noticeable movement yet. Right now, we are not prepared."

The Brazilian government's COP30 secretariat did not respond to requests for comment on the port preparation status.

Bridge Construction Expected to Enhance Connectivity

Some major infrastructure projects are progressing smoothly. The construction of a bridge connecting Outeiro and the conference venue in downtown Belém began in January 2024 and is now about two-thirds complete. According to the state government, the bridge, located within walking distance of the port, is expected to significantly reduce travel time to the city center and improve access to shops and other services for local residents even after the conference.

Elisio Furtado (38), who sells açaí berry puree near the bridge construction site, said, "Today we have to cross by boat. Once the bridge is completed, everything will be faster and more convenient."

Near the conference venue, the state government is overseeing the construction of the 19,000-square-meter COP30 Village, the cost of which has not been disclosed. After the conference, this site will be used for state government offices currently housed in rented buildings.

"Will There Even Be Time for Lunch?"

However, some Outeiro residents remain skeptical about whether the conference will bring tangible and lasting benefits to the local community. Açaí vendor Furtado said, "I don't really know what this COP is about. I just know there will be a lot of movement, but I'm not sure how closely it will relate to us." He anticipates that many attendees will travel directly from their accommodations to the conference venue and may not even have time for lunch or snacks.

Raimundo Maciel (49), who ferries people across the waterway near the new bridge in a small boat, says that this business has sustained about 30 families for generations. While he acknowledges that the bridge construction is a positive development for the community, he worries about losing his only source of income. Maciel lamented, "Thanks to the bridge, my son will be able to get to school faster, but for me, life will change completely."