by Pau Ramirez
BELEM, Brazil, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- Brazil's Amazonian city of Belem has been buzzing with activity since thousands of delegates from around the world arrived for the 30th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30) on Nov. 10-21.
At the capital of the northern Para state, the atmosphere is filled with expectation and enthusiasm. Streets, hotels and sights of interest are teeming with an unprecedented influx of visitors.
"Over the weekend, you couldn't walk because there were so many people," said Marina Duarte, who works at a cafe in one of the city's top attractions, the Estacao das Docas cultural complex.
From its pier, visitors enjoy views of Guajara Bay while tasting Amazonian fruit-based treats and chocolate made from Para's famous cocoa.
"We served so many foreigners. Some tried to speak Portuguese, others ordered in English. It's nice to see Belem so lively," Duarte told Xinhua.
"It is a historic moment -- finally, the world is looking to the Amazon not only for its beauty, but for its importance to the future of the planet," Duarte said.
At Porto Futuro, a new gathering spot facing the river, business has also picked up. Food-kiosk manager Rafael Pinheiro said the arrival of COP30 participants has generated "a huge" boom.
"We sold about 40 percent more than during a normal weekend," he said. "Everyone wants to try something typical, from 'tacaca' (a tangy soup) to 'acai' (a palm tree berry)."
Recreational venues and museums are seeing similar benefits, with the Museum of the Amazon, opened just a month ago, having welcomed 50,000 visitors.
"It is impressive to see so many people from other parts, not just from Brazil, but also from Europe and Asia," said Carla Nascimento, the museum's head of communication.
In one gallery, French visitor Michel Orivel admired "Amazonia," an exhibit of photographs by Brazilian photographer Sebastiao Salgado.
"COP30 inspired me to get to know the region. I wanted to see up close what everyone was talking about at the conferences," said Orivel.
Throughout Belem -- from its historic center and lively markets to residential neighborhoods -- delegates, volunteers, and curious locals mingle as the city plays host to the international event.
"It is a unique opportunity to showcase the cultural and natural wealth of the Amazon," said tour guide Ana Claudia Silva.
According to the Brazilian Hotel Industry Association of Para, hotel occupancy exceeds 95 percent on average.
"Some hotels have been fully booked since the beginning of the year," said the association's president, Tomas Santiago.
At the newly inaugurated Vila COP, built especially to accommodate official delegations, the atmosphere reflects a unique blend of diplomacy and international exchange.
"We are staying with colleagues from different regions of the country. It is an excellent structure," said Debra Dias, secretary of environment, sustainability and climate action for Brazil's eastern state of Sergipe.
Beyond the economic boost, many residents are taking pride in being the center of the global climate debate.
Belem is set to remain bustling for another week as COP30 draws more than 50,000 participants -- from scientists to entrepreneurs -- turning this Amazonian enclave into a global hotspot in the fight against climate change. ■
