Belém Undergoes Major Transformation with Multi-Billion Dollar Investments Ahead of COP30

Extensive Investments Drive Urban Renewal

Belém, Brazil, is undergoing a profound transformation as it prepares to host the COP30 climate summit in November 2025. A collaborative effort involving the federal government, the Government of Pará, and Belém City Hall, supported by institutions like Itaipu Binacional and the National Bank for Economic and Social Development (BNDES), has channeled over BRL 4 billion into infrastructure and urban development projects. These investments are designed not only to accommodate the anticipated 50,000 participants of the conference but also to provide long-term benefits for the city's residents.

Among the most prominent projects is the revitalization of key public spaces. The São Brás Municipal Market, a 114-year-old historical structure, has been fully renovated and restored with an investment of BRL 89.7 million (approximately USD 16.2 million), becoming the first major infrastructure project delivered for COP30. The market now hosts 207 licensed vendors and aims to be a hub for business, culture, and recreation. Additionally, the Ver-o-Peso Complex, one of Brazil's oldest markets, is undergoing renovation and revitalization with a budget of BRL 72.6 million.

Enhanced Infrastructure and Public Spaces

The city's landscape is being reshaped with the creation and enhancement of numerous public spaces. The Nova Doca Linear Park, with an allocation of BRL 365.9 million (approximately USD 66 million), is nearing completion at 92%. This park aims to transform Belém's relationship with its waterways, offering leisure environments and green areas. Similarly, the Tamandaré Linear Park, with an investment of BRL 162.8 million (just under USD 30 million), is 87% complete. The Igarapé São Joaquim Urban Park is also being implemented with BRL 323.5 million earmarked for its development.

A significant undertaking is the City Park (Parque da Cidade), built on 500,000 m² of a former airport site. Approximately 70% of its planned projects are complete, and it will serve as the main venue for COP30's Blue and Green Zones before being handed over to the public. Furthermore, Porto Futuro II is redeveloping the old industrial port into a cultural and leisure complex, which will feature an innovative bioeconomy hub and a museum.

Improvements in Sanitation and Mobility

Critical improvements are being made to Belém's essential services. Major sanitation and drainage works are set to benefit over 500,000 people, representing more than one-third of the city's population. These projects involve 13 canals across four hydrographic basins—Una, Tucunduba, Murutucu, and Tamandaré—with a focus on reducing flooding and improving public health. The initiative includes the implementation of 55.5 kilometers of sewage network and the installation of over 10,000 household connections.

Urban mobility is also a priority, with substantial investments in transportation infrastructure. This includes the repaving of 279 streets, with 60 located in low-income neighborhoods. A new BRT Centenário line is being extended to the airport and nearby areas, backed by over BRL 368 million in federal investment. The expansion of Rua da Marinha, from two to six lanes over 3.5 kilometers, will link six neighborhoods and significantly improve traffic flow. The Val-de-Cans International Airport is undergoing upgrades, including expanded terminals and a modernized runway, while the International River Terminal and Tamandaré Tourist River Terminal are also being modernized. For the conference itself, 15 exclusive COP30 bus lines will operate 24 hours a day, connecting the capital to its metropolitan region.

Lasting Legacy and Economic Impact

The investments are expected to leave a significant and lasting legacy for Belém's population, extending far beyond the duration of COP30. Valter Correia, Special Secretary for COP30, emphasized that 'All these actions go beyond preparing the city for a single event—they're about transforming lives and caring for people.' These projects are also stimulating the local economy by creating jobs in sectors such as construction, hospitality, transportation, tourism, and food services, and are boosting tourism in the region. The city is also preparing for the influx of visitors by utilizing two cruise ships, the MSC Seaview and the Costa Diadema, moored at Outeiro Port Terminal, to serve as floating hotels, providing approximately 6,000 additional beds.