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UNEP and Brazil's Ministry of Environment and Climate Change have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen collaboration on climate change, biodiversity loss, and waste and pollution issues. The signing ceremony, attended by Minister Marina Silva, coincided with the inaugural visit to Brazil by Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations and UNEP Executive Director, Inger Andersen.

This strategic agreement commemorates the 20th anniversary of UNEP's office in Brazil, marking a milestone in enhancing cooperation with the Brazilian government on environmental and sustainable development agendas. It represents significant progress in environmental policies and actions across Brazil, promising extensive benefits for both society and the natural environment.

Collaboration with the Brazilian government also emphasizes reducing social inequalities while ensuring a safe and healthy environment for sustainable livelihoods.

"We are pleased to renew our partnership, but we also want to take this opportunity to broaden the scope of our cooperation. We are in a painful reconstruction process in Rio Grande do Sul, which has already cost around USD 16 billion. The Pantanal is facing a severe drought, highlighting the urgent need for risk management plans, rather than just disaster management," said Minister Marina Silva.

Inger Andersen, UNEP Executive Director, said: "The signing of this agreement with Brazil underscores our ongoing commitment to the environment and sustainable development in one of the world's most biodiverse regions. We are pleased to continue our partnership with Brazil and turn our strategic plans into impactful actions to accelerate progress on the environmental challenges linked to climate change, nature and biodiversity loss and pollution and waste.”

The memorandum outlines UNEP's support across four key areas: climate action, biodiversity conservation, chemicals and pollution management, and strengthening environmental governance.

Under climate action, the collaboration will assist in developing Brazil's National Climate Plan, including the formulation of a National Mitigation Strategy and sector-specific plans. It also emphasizes integrating nature-based solutions into subnational climate action plans, governance strategies, and instruments for coastal, marine, and oceanic zones, alongside initiatives to combat plastic pollution.

In terms of biodiversity, notable initiatives include implementing the new Global Biodiversity Framework, developing the National Bioeconomy Strategy, and enhancing financing mechanisms for nature conservation. The agreement supports regulating Brazil's National System of Conservation Units (SNUC) and promoting effective area-based conservation measures nationwide.