Seminar 'Judiciary at COP30' highlights the role of institutions in the environmental agenda

The construction of a sustainable legacy in the Amazon is the central theme of the seminar "Judiciary at COP30: Paths to Climate Justice," promoted by the Court of Justice of Pará (TJPA) and opened this Monday (18). Held at the Teatro Maria Sylvia Nunes, at Estação das Docas, in Belém, the event brings together ministers from higher courts, representatives of public agencies, researchers, and experts to discuss the role of institutions in the climate agenda.

During the opening of the seminar, Vice Governor Hana Ghassan highlighted the importance of Pará in the context of COP30 and the fundamental role of the Judiciary in promoting climate justice.

"Pará, the heart of the Amazon, is the guardian of one of the planet's greatest natural riches and also a stage for significant socio-environmental challenges. Here, sustainable development is not just a concept; it is a vital necessity for our population and for the future of the world. The presence of the Judiciary in this debate is essential, as climate justice is not limited to laws and international treaties — it involves protecting the most vulnerable, building public policies, and cooperation among the powers. We need unity, dialogue, and firmness of purpose to consolidate paths for true climate justice and show that our state deserves global respect and recognition," she stated.

The president of TJPA, Judge Roberto Gonçalves de Moura, reinforced the speech and emphasized that COP30 is an opportunity to project the Judiciary's actions in the face of the challenges of the Amazon. "COP30 places Justice at the center of discussions about climate, environment, and development. It is up to us, who live daily the Amazonian reality, to show the world that it is possible to reconcile economic progress, environmental preservation, and social development," he pointed out.

The opening ceremony also featured the presence of Minister Mauro Campbell Marques from the Superior Court of Justice (STJ) and representatives from the National Justice Council (CNJ), the Public Prosecutor's Office, and the State Committee for COP30.

STF projects challenges and opportunities

Minister Luiz Edson Fachin from the Federal Supreme Court (STF) opened the debate cycle with the keynote lecture "The Amazon at the center of COP30: challenges and opportunities for the Brazilian Judiciary," in a remote format. He emphasized the need to integrate sustainability into the actions of the justice system. "Caring for the environment also means looking inward and integrating this agenda into the administrative and judicial machinery itself, transforming principles into concrete actions that benefit families and protect the Amazon," he highlighted.

On the first day, experts discussed climate markets and financing, with participation from representatives of TJPA, the Federal University of Pará (UFPA), and the State Attorney General's Office.

Academic training and valuing Pará

The event also attracted students, who followed the program and highlighted its relevance for academic training and the projection of Pará before the international community. For Social Communication graduate Eshien Xavier, the seminar strengthens the state's image and its capacity to host global-level debates. "There is a stereotype that Belém is not capable, but events like this show that Pará is important, needs to be valued, and respected," she said.

Law student Graziela de Moraes, who specializes in Environmental Law, emphasized the event's contribution in the context of COP30 for strengthening the agenda in the region. "It is very important to bring these discussions to Belém because there is still not much dissemination about Environmental Law in the region. Events like this allow us to learn more and also pass on this knowledge. I hope that important agreements for the world come out of this," she stated.

Upcoming debates

The second and final day of the seminar will be dedicated to topics such as land regularization, combating environmental crimes, and the Judiciary's commitments to building a sustainable legacy for the Amazon. The closing conference, on this Tuesday (19), will be delivered by Minister Mauro Campbell Marques, with the theme "The role of the magistrate in building a future of climate justice."

In parallel, the external area of the auditorium will host the presentation of projects and good environmental practices developed by judges and staff of TJPA. The initiatives were evaluated by the COP30 Working Group, and the three best works will receive certificates of honorable mention.

The seminar also includes the participation of institutions such as the Land Institute of Pará (Iterpa), Anoreg-PA, the Regional Labor Court of the 8th Region (TRT-8), the Court of Justice of Amazonas (TJAM), and civil society organizations such as Imazon, CCCA, and Abrampa.