Mato Grosso do Sul Advocates for Modernized Environmental Licensing and State Role at COP30 in Belém

Mato Grosso do Sul at the Forefront of Climate Discussions in Belém

Belém, Brazil – The government of Mato Grosso do Sul, represented by Governor Eduardo Riedel, actively participated in the 30th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30), held from November 10 to 21, 2025, in Belém, Pará. Governor Riedel advocated for the modernization of environmental licensing processes and a more prominent role for Brazilian states in the global climate agenda.

COP30, hosted in Brazil, marked a significant return to the country where the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) was established in 1992. The conference focused on the 'implementation' of existing climate goals, rather than solely setting new ones. Ahead of the main conference, the Belém Climate Summit took place on November 6-7, 2025. During the event, Brazil's national capital was symbolically transferred from Brasília to Belém from November 11-21, 2025.

Modernizing Environmental Licensing and Empowering States

Governor Riedel's agenda at COP30 centered on the belief that economic growth and environmental preservation are not contradictory. He emphasized the need for a balanced approach, stating, 'Nunca vimos contradição entre desenvolvimento e sustentabilidade. É um equilíbrio que o Mato Grosso do Sul pratica na vida real.' A key proposal from Mato Grosso do Sul was the modernization of environmental licensing, aiming to streamline procedures while maintaining robust environmental protection.

The governor also championed a stronger role for subnational governments – states and municipalities – in climate governance. He participated in various panels, including those at the Frente Nacional dos Prefeitos (National Front of Mayors), the Agrizone (Sustainable Agriculture House), and the Green Zone of Abema (Brazilian Association of State Environmental Entities), to discuss the importance of strengthening the participation of states and municipalities in global climate discussions.

Mato Grosso do Sul's Sustainable Initiatives

Mato Grosso do Sul showcased its commitment to sustainability through several initiatives:

• Plano MS Carbono Neutro 2030: This ambitious plan aims for carbon neutrality by 2030, focusing on sustainable agricultural practices, energy transition, and the adoption of clean energy sources such as biogas, ethanol, biomass, green hydrogen, and solar power.
• MS Ativo Program: This program collaborates with 79 municipalities across the state to develop local carbon reduction strategies.
• Pantanal Law: Governor Riedel sanctioned this law to promote the conservation, protection, restoration, and sustainable use of the Pantanal biome within the state, including the establishment of a Pantanal Climate Fund.
• Payment for Environmental Services (PSA): A program offering financial incentives to rural producers for protecting and restoring ecosystems.

The state highlighted its impressive environmental credentials, including having 84% of its Pantanal biome preserved, utilizing 94% renewable energy, and achieving an annual economic growth rate of 5-6%, significantly above the national average.

National Context for Licensing Modernization

The advocacy for environmental licensing modernization by Mato Grosso do Sul aligns with broader national efforts in Brazil. A new Environmental Licensing Law (Law No. 15,190, of August 8, 2024, also known as Bill No. 2159/21) was approved by the National Congress on July 16, 2025. This legislation aims to simplify and standardize environmental approval processes nationwide, introducing clear deadlines for environmental agencies. To further accelerate these processes for strategic projects, the Brazilian government also established a 'Chamber of Strategic Activities and Enterprises.' These reforms seek to address existing institutional weaknesses and resource limitations that have historically hindered efficient task completion in environmental licensing.