Less than 100 days from COP30, the UN climate conference scheduled for November 10-21 in Belém, Pará, the city faces a lodging crisis worrying international delegations and organizations. The official accommodation platform, launched by the federal government on August 1, offers 2,700 rooms, but prices starting at R$ 1,100 per night and options like adapted motels and shared beds have drawn criticism. Delegations from developing countries, especially from Africa and small island states, complain that costs make participation unfeasible. The COP30 Executive Secretariat (Secop) defends the platform as the best option for affordable prices, but insufficient supply and real estate speculation challenge the promise of an inclusive conference. The Brazilian government is seeking solutions, such as cruise ships and adapted schools, while the UN presses for answers.
Choosing Belém for COP30, the first in the Amazon, reflects Brazil’s commitment to highlighting the forest’s role in combating climate change. However, the city’s limited infrastructure, with only 18,000 hotel beds in the metropolitan area, creates logistical challenges. The expectation is to host around 50,000 visitors, close to the 60,000 participants at COP29 in Baku.
- Main challenges highlighted:
- High prices, with minimum rates of $200 (R$ 1,100) per night.
- Improvised accommodations, such as motels and homes with shared beds.
- Requirement for minimum stays of up to 15 days.
- Distance of some lodgings from Cidade Park, the event venue.
The Brazilian government, aware of the criticism, promises to increase bed availability and negotiate more affordable prices by November.
International criticism and pressure on Brazil
The official platform, accessible at cop30.bnetwork.com, was launched with 2,700 rooms but fell short of expectations. In early July, 2,500 rooms were made available exclusively to UNFCCC signatory countries, with rates between $100 and $600. Even so, representatives from African nations and small island states, like Ilana Seid from AOSIS, expressed concern over costs exceeding the UN’s $149 daily subsidy.
The dissatisfaction led to an emergency UN bureau meeting on July 30, called after 25 countries questioned the feasibility of attending COP30. Richard Muyungi, president of the African Group of Negotiators, noted that “astronomical” prices could jeopardize the presence of climate-vulnerable nations. A European diplomat, anonymously, said countries like the Netherlands plan to reduce delegations due to scarce affordable lodging.
The Brazilian government responded with promises of adjustments. On August 5, the platform had about 700 accommodations available, down from 850 the previous week. Secop stated that new properties are added daily after condition and safety checks, but the slow pace worries organizations.
Improvised accommodations spark controversy
The platform’s lodging options include unusual choices, like motels adapted with bunk beds and family homes with shared beds. Of the 53,000 mapped beds, 32,000 are seasonal residences, accounting for 60% of the total supply. This reliance on private properties reflects Belém’s limited hotel capacity, with only 14,547 hotel rooms in the capital and metropolitan area.
- Breakdown of available beds:
- Hotels: 14,547 beds.
- Cruise ships: 6,000 beds.
- Seasonal residences: 10,004 beds.
- Airbnb platforms: 22,452 beds.
Motels, with rates starting at $410 (R$ 2,200) for 15-day minimum stays, have faced criticism. Márcio Astrini from the Climate Observatory said these accommodations don’t meet delegation needs, often traveling in professional groups, not pairs. Additionally, long minimum stay requirements hinder participation for those planning shorter stays.
Vanessa Robinson, an international consultant aiding delegations, highlighted the lack of dialogue with the local community to negotiate fair prices. She noted that many property owners are unaware of COP30’s significance, fueling real estate speculation. Robinson secured some $200 nightly rates outside the platform, but only after extensive negotiations.
Government efforts to address the crisis
The federal government, in partnership with Pará’s state and Belém’s city government, is implementing measures to expand lodging capacity. Besides the official platform, two cruise ships were hired, offering 3,900 cabins for up to 6,000 beds. Another initiative adapts 90 public schools into hostels, accommodating 5,000 people.
- Government measures:
- Hiring cruise ships for 6,000 beds.
- Adapting schools to host 5,000 participants.
- Investing R$ 172 million in hotel renovations.
- Building the COP30 Village, with 405 suites for delegations.
The government also allocated R$ 5 billion in BNDES credit lines for Belém’s infrastructure improvements, including a bridge to ease access to Outeiro Port, where ships will dock. Secop signed a Conduct Adjustment Agreement with the hotel sector in April to curb abusive prices, but the measure failed to prevent price surges on private platforms, where rates reach R$ 2 million for the event period.
Civil society reactions and local impact
Real estate speculation has affected not only delegations but also Belém residents. Reports indicate property owners are terminating rental contracts to offer homes for COP30, reducing local housing availability. NGOs warn that the conference could become one of the most expensive in a decade, hindering participation from activists and less-developed countries.
Raquel, a Belém resident cited in reports, praised the city’s hospitality but criticized the lack of public support to curb speculation. She noted that initiatives like tourism training courses are insufficient. The absence of post-event housing policies also raises concerns, as the 10,000 temporary beds, like those on ships, won’t leave a lasting legacy.
- Local population impacts:
- Termination of rental contracts to profit from COP30.
- Increased housing deficit, estimated at 84,000 homes.
- Low sanitation coverage, with only 2.7% of the city served.
Belém’s city government estimates the city needs to double its hotel capacity to meet demand. The construction of the COP30 Village, set to house heads of state, is a key effort, but its limited capacity doesn’t solve the broader issue.
Ongoing solutions and future expectations
The Brazilian government remains committed to hosting COP30 in Belém, rejecting suggestions to move the event to cities like São Paulo or Rio de Janeiro. Valter Correia, COP30’s extraordinary secretary, stated that the city is ready to welcome visitors, emphasizing the symbolic importance of holding the conference in the Amazon.
The official platform continues to be updated, with promises of more affordable properties. Secop plans to address criticism at the next UN meeting on August 11, proposing increased subsidies and improved lodging options. The addition of four new international hotel chain properties is underway, but tight deadlines raise uncertainties.
- Government’s next steps:
- Daily platform updates with new properties.
- UN negotiations for increased subsidies.
- Expansion of hotel offerings with new developments.
- Training property owners to reduce speculative prices.
International pressure and local criticism place COP30 at a critical juncture. Brazil’s ability to ensure an inclusive and accessible conference will be tested in the coming months as Belém prepares to host the world.