Pará joins the High Ambition Coalition and strengthens environmental leadership at COP30
The state is the newest member of the High Ambition Coalition (HAC) task force of subnational governments
The government of Pará officially announced, this Saturday (15), its adherence to the High Ambition Coalition (HAC), an international initiative that brings together countries and governments committed to protecting at least 30% of the planet's land and marine areas by 2030, the so-called 30x30 Target, defined in the Global Biodiversity Framework of Kunming - Montreal.
Representing the Secretariat of Environment, Climate and Sustainability (Semas), the Deputy Secretary of Water and Climate, Renata Nobre, emphasized that Pará's entry reinforces a state environmental agenda built continuously and robustly over the past few years.
“The State of Pará has had a very intense agenda over the last five years. The pace is very strong because we understand that we need to move forward. We are a state rich in biodiversity and climate solutions,” she stated.
Renata emphasized that Pará is working to ensure that environmental protection goes hand in hand with social justice and the appreciation of the communities living in the forest.
“Here, people live in the forest. Here, the forest is a territory of life; we have traditional communities that protect it with their own lives, and this needs to be recognized,” she pointed out.
The deputy secretary also recalled the recent advances of the state in environmental regulation and the expansion of areas designated for conservation. She also highlighted that Pará has the most ambitious restoration target in the country: 5.6 million hectares by 2030.
“We were not working with the COP in mind. The COP came, and we were ready to show everything,” emphasized the deputy secretary.
The ceremony was attended by Jason Naud, head of the Quebec Representation Office in Brazil and international co-coordinator of the HAC Working Group alongside California. Naud emphasized that Pará's entry strengthens global governance for biodiversity.
“This is a moment of celebration, not only for Pará but for all those committed to protecting the planet's biodiversity. By joining this group, the state demonstrates remarkable leadership and sends a powerful message: subnational governments are essential to achieving global goals,” he stated.
He also highlighted that Pará joins a growing network of ambitious governments — including Scotland, Catalunya, California, Massachusetts, Ile-de-France, New Jersey, and Cross River (Nigeria).
“We plan, regulate, and directly implement biodiversity protection in the territory. Up to two-thirds of the targets of the Global Biodiversity Framework depend on the actions of governments like ours. Pará's participation enhances our capacity to generate real impacts,” he added.
Jason Naud stated that he hopes Pará's entry will inspire other Brazilian states to join the global effort.
“We can achieve transformative results for people, for nature, and for future generations. Congratulations to Pará for joining this crucial effort.”
With this adherence, Pará officially integrates the strategic discussions of the HAC for biodiversity protection, sharing experiences, methodologies, tools, and projects with governments around the world. The entry comes at a time when the state consolidates its climate policy and presents results during COP30 in Belém.
