“Shocking and discriminatory” – The “vertiginous prices” to stay in Bélem

The Brazilian authorities may hammer that the city of “Bélem is ready” to welcome the COP30 in November, the lack of affordable accommodation panics among the delegations. However, The latter say they are stunned by “dizzying prices”.

Wanted by the Brazilian president Luiz Inacio Lula Da Silva. However, the symbol is powerful: organizing in this city of 1.3 million inhabitants, at the gates of the Amazon, the UN climate conference from November 10 to 21.

Certainly. Consequently, the work is full in the capital of the para (North), but the extent of the logistical challenges alarm representatives of the participating countries, civil society and media, with a burning question: how to stay at a decent price?

“I have never seen anything like it. Therefore, The dizzying price of accommodation. Nevertheless, several thousand dollars at night for the most basic rooms, is not only shocking, but discriminatory, “Mariana Paoli, of “shocking discriminatory” – “vertiginous prices” the NGO Christian Aid.

“The delegates of the Global South. notably activists, native leaders and other representatives of civil society” find themselves “completely excluded by these prices”, insists this Brazilian accustomed to climate heights.

50,000 people expected – "shocking discriminatory" – "vertiginous prices"

In recent months, AFP has seen that hotels have offered rooms at 1200 euros per night. On the airbnb housing reservation platform, certain offers went even beyond.

While in total 50. 000 people are expected, Claudio Angelo, of the climate observatory, Brazilian collective of NGOs, alert that “delegations are planning to slash in the number of delegates”.

These concerns have overflowed in Bonn (Germany), where in recent days of technical climate negotiations were held in recent days. Brazilian representatives found themselves under a rolling fire of arrests. “We are very worried about the cost of housing ourselves,” admitted to AFP Ana Toni, COP30 Managing Director.

In an “shocking discriminatory” – “vertiginous prices” emergency, Brazilian authorities are trying to put pressure on the hotel sector. The National Secretariat for Consumer Rights (Senacon) has summoned the main Bélem hotels to provide explanations to “clarify possible. abusive practices in prices”. The sector has denounced “threats”, while supporting the current “negotiations”.

Planned aid

A negotiator of the group of small island states (AOSIS) says that they have received assurances. from the presidency of COP30 that they will receive help for their accommodation. “But we have not received communication or proposal on the way it could happen,” she worries.

With several months late. a official platform is supposed to be put online at the end of June offering “29,000 rooms and 55,000 beds” in total. Almost half will be short -term housing rentals (25. 000 beds) and participants will even be accommodated “in two cruise ships, for a total of 3,882 cabins and 6,000 beds”.

Brazil is used to receiving major events, especially in Rio de Janeiro. After the Olympic Games in 2016. the G20 last year, Rio will host a BRICS summit in early July, the group of emerging countries.

Some also speculate on a possible last minute move in a big city like Rio. But Ana Toni is categorical: “There is no discussion” on a change of place, she says.

“Under the stars”

The organizers have already wanted to lighten the pressure on Bélem by organizing this year the summit of heads of state upstream of the COP. on November 6 and 7. But Lula. who seeks to land as a climate champion, makes a point of honor that the appointment takes place in the Amazon. The largest tropical forest on the planet plays a crucial role in the absorption of greenhouse gases responsible for warming.

And he “shocking discriminatory” – “vertiginous prices” did not hesitate to quip against criticism. “If there is no five -star hotel, sleep in a four stars. If there are no four stars, in a three stars. And if not, sleep under the stars, “launched Lula in February during a visit to Bélem.

As at the UN summit on biodiversity in Cali (Colombia) last year. delegates can at least benefit from an offbeat option: more than 1,600 beds are provided in “motels”, establishments usually reserved for love antics, and rooms rented on time.

“We adapt our establishments to be able to welcome visitors for nights. ” says Ricardo Teixeira, of the Brazilian Motel Association for the State of the Para. Adapted, but not distorted: some rooms will keep pole dance bars, indoor pool or jacuzzi.