UNEP and Ministry of Environment sign agreement to strengthen environmental protection measures in Brazil

Brasilia, July 1, 2024 — To renew and intensify cooperation on the important issues of climate change, loss of nature and biodiversity, and waste and pollution, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the Brazilian Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MMA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding this morning. The signing ceremony, attended by Minister Marina Silva, coincided with the first official mission of United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director of UNEP, Inger Andersen, to Brazil.

This strategic agreement marks the 20th anniversary of the UNEP office in Brazil and strengthens cooperation with the Brazilian government on the environment and sustainable development. It heralds significant progress in environmental policies and actions across Brazil and promises broad and lasting benefits for society and nature.

Collaboration with the Brazilian government also strengthens the link between reducing social inequalities and ensuring a safe and healthy environment for successful livelihoods.

“We are pleased to renew our partnership, but we also want to use this opportunity to expand the scope of our cooperation. We are in a painful reconstruction process in Rio Grande do Sul, which has already cost around US$16 billion. The Pantanal is affected by a severe drought, which underlines the urgent need for risk management plans and not just disaster management,” said Minister Marina Silva.

Inger Andersen, Executive Director of UNEP, said: “The signing of this agreement with Brazil underlines our continued commitment to the environment and sustainable development in one of the world’s most biodiverse regions. We look forward to continuing our partnership with Brazil and translating our strategic plans into effective actions to accelerate progress in tackling environmental challenges related to climate change, loss of nature and biodiversity, and pollution and waste.”

The memorandum outlines UNEP’s support in four key areas: climate action, nature protection action, chemicals and pollution control, and strengthening environmental governance.

Climate protection measures: The collaboration will support the development of Brazil’s National Climate Plan, which includes the elaboration of a national mitigation strategy and relevant sector plans. It will also emphasize the integration of nature-based solutions into subnational climate action plans, governance strategies and tools for coastal, marine and ocean zones, and efforts to combat plastic pollution.

Action for nature: Notable initiatives include the implementation of the new global biodiversity framework, the development of the national bioeconomy strategy and the improvement of financing mechanisms for conservation. The agreement also supports the regulation of the National System of Conservation Units (SNUC) and promotes effective area-based conservation actions throughout Brazil.

Measures against chemicals and pollution: This section of the Memorandum facilitates cooperation in developing studies and projects in line with the commitments under the Minamata Convention, the development of a national circular economy strategy, and programs to improve air quality and combat short-lived climate pollutants such as methane and black carbon.

Strengthening environmental policy: The agreement includes joint efforts to strengthen environmental policies, such as supporting the Brazilian G20 presidency with expert advice on environmental sustainability and climate issues. A key element of this cooperation is the development of GEO Brazil, which will assess the country’s environmental conditions, evaluate the effectiveness of current policies and forecast future environmental trends.

This memorandum is evidence of the shared commitment of UNEP and the Brazilian government to create a sustainable future through consistent environmental protection.

NOTES FOR EDITORS

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