BRAZIL-GERMANY COOPERATION FOR

Sustainable Development

Brazil-Germany
Cooperation

It’s been 60 years since Brazil and Germany started talks on forms of development that embrace economic growth, social inclusion and the conservation of Brazil’s invaluable natural heritage.

This collaboration was named Brazil-Germany Cooperation for Sustainable Development, a body of work that came into being through initiatives between the German government and small Brazilian cooperatives in the 1960s and 1970s and became a strong partnership between the two countries over decades encompassing actions by governments, businesses and the civil society.

52660218425_c759b38ab0_k
grafite

The initiatives which have arisen from this sum of efforts reveal how Brazil and Germany understand and face the challenges of our time, such as climate change.

In a country with the largest tropical forest area in the world, holding about 20% of the global biodiversity, one of the pillars of cooperation is the protection and sustainable use of such resources. Brazil's unique capacity to produce clean energy also places the stimulus on renewable sources and energy efficiency at the heart of the partnership.

The Brazil-Germany Cooperation takes place from north to south, either in the countryside or in large cities; supporting small producers or training young people for jobs of the future; protecting traditional communities or developing state-of-the-art technology. The purpose is always the same: transform the present and build a fairer and more sustainable future.

header_jungle_new

We support those who protect life and the forest

By housing natural resources at a unique level in the world, many opportunities open to Brazil on the path to sustainable development. The protection and balanced use of this heritage contribute not only to facing global challenges – such as climate change – but bring several benefits to the country. Among them are income and jobs generation, new markets for sustainable products, scientific discoveries and the interest of investors who increasingly prioritize deals that introduce positive environmental impact.

To achieve such goals, keeping the forest intact is paramount and has proven to be a central challenge for the country. Between 2019 and 2022, more than 35,000 square kilometers of forests were lost according to data from Imazon. On the way to overcoming such challenges and becoming a prosperous and increasingly green economy that protects the environment, fights poverty and guarantees the rights of indigenous and traditional populations, Brazil relies on the partnership with the German Cooperation.

In view of this important mission, the German Cooperation employs different instruments, including financial compensation for forest conservation, to secure the reduction of greenhouse gases. At the moment, successful experiences are underway with this type of payment for results, both at the federal level, through the Amazon Fund, and alongside the states of Acre and Mato Grosso, through the REM program (REDD for Early Movers).

Safeguarding effective protected areas is also a key part of these efforts. Therefore, the Cooperation supports the consolidation of a national system with over 2,400 conservation units spread across continental and marine areas. To lend a sense of scale, the continental area alone occupies an area equivalent to 4.5 times the size of Germany.

criancas_agua_teste2
criancas_agua_teste2

In view of this important mission, the German Cooperation employs different instruments, including financial compensation for forest conservation, to secure the reduction of greenhouse gases. At the moment, successful experiences are underway with this type of payment for results, both at the federal level, through the Amazon Fund, and alongside the states of Acre and Mato Grosso, through the REM program (REDD for Early Movers).

Safeguarding effective protected areas is also a key part of these efforts. Therefore, the Cooperation supports the consolidation of a national system with over 2,400 conservation units spread across continental and marine areas. To lend a sense of scale, the continental area alone occupies an area equivalent to 4.4 times the size of Germany.

Another important perspective is offering populations living in the forest adequate remuneration activities which promote the balanced use of available natural resources. In the Amazon region, for example, cooperation investments have been aimed to expand markets for typical products, such as açaí, Brazil nuts or pirarucu fish, making sure sustainable management is always applied. What was once sold only locally and at low prices has found its way to dishes prepared by renowned Chefs in the Southeast Region and in the school lunch of local community students through the facilitation of public procurement: thanks to the inclusion of 3,300 family farmers in the public purchase system for school meals, 80 thousand students have had access to a healthier and more balanced diet. About 180 cooperatives or small associations supported have seen their revenues grow by 25%.

pirarucu_1

We had much trouble selling our fish locally at good prices. Now, our catch reaches restaurants in Rio de Janeiro or São Paulo.”

Adevaldo Dias, Asproc Cooperative, Amazonas.

The cultural identity of indigenous peoples and traditional communities is strongly linked to the territories they inhabit. Under that light, the protection of such areas is also an absolute and indispensable premise for ensuring the human rights of these populations and their future generations. Also, from the perspective of preserving natural heritage, these are exactly the territories that record the lowest rates of deforestation, for they harbor true guardians of the forest. In the last two years, actions supported by the Cooperation have reached about 65% of the indigenous lands of the Amazon. In Mato Grosso, for instance, they have contributed to more than 40,000 people from 43 indigenous peoples being included in the state's political decisions.

In the search for a balanced use of forest areas, landowners also play a central role. As such, Brazil has established one of the world's largest digital environmental records, the Rural Environmental Registry (CAR), which gathers data and images on more than 7 million farms and small properties. By registering these areas, owners have the opportunity to receive support to reverse negative impacts already caused on their land, pledging to conserve and reforest areas of protection provided for by law, a fundamental measure to end illegal deforestation. The Cooperation’s support to Brazilian government institutions takes place via the registration, validation and environmental adequacy of rural properties following the country’s legislation.

header_infographic_final
protection_jungle_final

are protected in Brazilian
conservation units

sustainability_final

They have sustainable management in an area supported by the Amazon Fund

farm_registered_final_3

Of rural areas
are registered

Another focus of cooperation is on the establishment of sustainable production chains for deforestation-free timber, beef, and soybean. The strategy includes digitizing available agricultural data, improving traceability of production chains and supporting producers to gradually adapt to socio-ecological standards. Producers will benefit from increased profitability and access to international markets.

The German-Brazilian Cooperation also works with governments and civil society to promote sustainable development. We support external control bodies, such as the Brazilian Court of Audit (Tribunal de Contas da União), to conduct environmental audits. In one of our actions we trained 235 federal auditors and Brazilian civil servants so that large-scale public works take climate protection and biological diversity into consideration. We also certified another 2,000 people to use effective and innovative tools to protect Brazil's rich biodiversity in urban, forest and coastal areas.

More results

Previous
Next
01
05
Prevention of deforestation and forest fires
More than 1,500 Ibama and ICMBio environmental control missions have been supported by the Amazon Fund, which has contributed to preventing 25,000 fire outbreaks and combating illegal deforestation.
02
05
The world's largest protected area program
The Amazon Protected Areas Program (ARPA), implemented by MMA and ICMBio and sponsored by Germany, supports 117 protected areas in the biome, which together occupy more than 600,000 km². In the long run, the operation must be independently ensured by Brazil.
03
05
Emission reduction compensation
By preserving millions of hectares of forest, Mato Grosso prevents the emission of large amounts of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. The federal government financially compensates the state for every proven ton of CO2 not emitted. Thus, 13 million euros have been transferred since 2018, also benefiting indigenous populations.
04
05
Stronger society and institutions to protect coastal areas
More than 600 women fishermen from the Northeast region of Brazil have come together to guarantee their rights, transform their communities and generate income. In addition, local institutions and communities are strengthened to promote the conservation of coral environments and the protection and sustainable use in coastal and marine ecosystems.
05
05
Latin America's largest, greenest and safest financial market
With improvements in the regulation of green finances and the growing interest of the financial sector in the theme, Brazil creates conditions for investment in projects with positive environmental and social impacts. The country has issued 7.5 billion euro in green bonds since 2016.
Previous
Next
01
05
Prevention of deforestation and forest fires
More than 1,500 Ibama and ICMBio environmental control missions have been supported by the Amazon Fund, which has contributed to preventing 25,000 fire outbreaks and combating illegal deforestation.
02
05
The world's largest protected area program
The Amazon Protected Areas Program (ARPA), implemented by MMA and ICMBio and sponsored by Germany, supports 117 protected areas in the biome, which together occupy more than 600,000 km². In the long run, the operation must be independently ensured by Brazil.
03
05
Emission reduction compensation
By preserving millions of hectares of forest, Mato Grosso prevents the emission of large amounts of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. The federal government financially compensates the state for every proven ton of CO2 not emitted. Thus, 13 million euros have been transferred since 2018, also benefiting indigenous populations.
04
05
Stronger society and institutions to protect coastal areas
More than 600 women fishermen from the Northeast region of Brazil have come together to guarantee their rights, transform their communities and generate income. In addition, local institutions and communities are strengthened to promote the conservation of coral environments and the protection and sustainable use in coastal and marine ecosystems.
05
05
Latin America's largest, greenest and safest financial market
With improvements in the regulation of green finances and the growing interest of the financial sector in the theme, Brazil creates conditions for investment in projects with positive environmental and social impacts. The country has issued 7.5 billion euro in green bonds since 2016.

Cleaner energy sources and cities

Known throughout the world for the abundance and diversity of the natural resources it holds, Brazil plays a unique role in the search for new forms of development capable of protecting the climate and contributing to the balance of the planet.

Here is an example: in a tropical climate country with a vocation for clean energy (83% of the Brazilian electric matrix is renewable, being 62% hydropower), the potential for sources such as solar and wind is promising. Aware of these favorable conditions, Brazil has accepted the challenge of making renewable energy the most important pillar of its energy matrix.

Germany's commitment to developing with clean energy has also been made by Germany in its energy transition plan, known as Energiewende. With innovation and technology, the country has been investing in alternative sources and ways to generate savings, increase efficiency and improve distribution.

As demonstrated, there are numerous possibilities for exchanges between Brazil and Germany in this field. Facilitating mutual learning and making the matrices of the two countries greener is precisely the role of the cooperation.

The results obtained by Brazil so far are encouraging: the amount of wind energy produced has doubled in comparison to the 2015 figures, and about 700 sites generate energy for more than 16 million Brazilian households. The advance of solar energy is also significant: more than 438,000 photovoltaic systems supply the places where they are installed (for example, on rooftops) while supplying energy to the grid. This process is known as distributed generation.

placas_solar_600x1920
wind_energy_final
0 million
homes powered
by wind power
solar_energy_final
0 thousand
approximate number of solar energy
distributed generation systems
hand_shake_final
0 thousand
jobs generated
by solar energy

Combined, wind and solar energy sources are already responsible for 12% of the Brazilian electricity matrix and studies conducted by the Brazil-Germany Cooperation indicate that, in the future, this rate can reach 40%. The benefits are many: technological development, job creation and positive impacts on the climate. At the level of renewable sources, Brazil would curb the emission of 27 million tons of CO2 per year, the equivalent to the annual emissions of São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro.

More results

Previous
Next
01
05
80,000 passengers transported in a modern and efficient system on a daily basis
The new VLT in Rio de Janeiro avoids about 1.7 million car trips per year in Rio de Janeiro and, consequently, the emission of 300,000 tons of CO2 throughout its lifetime. Less pollution, more climate protection and better transport services for citizens.
02
05
Skilled workers for the renewable energy market
More than 6,400 professionals trained and ready to plan, build and operate wind and solar power plants to help to make the Brazilian economy greener and climate-friendly.
03
05
Wastewater treatment for 3 million people
New sanitation technologies contribute to environmental and climate protection in the metropolitan regions of Belo Horizonte, Curitiba and Salvador and make rivers cleaner.
04
05
Sanitation for 130,000 people in rural areas within Ceará
With the creation, rehabilitation and expansion of water and sanitation systems, the population in Ceará’s rural areas is better prepared to face water scarcity aggravated by climate change.
05
05
100 million euro for energy efficiency in Brazilian water companies
New regulations include energy efficiency measures and make it possible to modernize water infrastructure and reduce operating costs.
Previous
Next
01
05
80,000 passengers transported in a modern and efficient system on a daily basis
The new VLT in Rio de Janeiro avoids about 1.7 million car trips per year in Rio de Janeiro and, consequently, the emission of 300,000 tons of CO2 throughout its lifetime. Less pollution, more climate protection and better transport services for citizens.
02
05
Skilled workers for the renewable energy market
More than 6,400 professionals trained and ready to plan, build and operate wind and solar power plants to help to make the Brazilian economy greener and climate-friendly.
03
05
Wastewater treatment for 3 million people
New sanitation technologies contribute to environmental and climate protection in the metropolitan regions of Belo Horizonte, Curitiba and Salvador and make rivers cleaner.
04
05
Sanitation for 130,000 people in rural areas within Ceará
With the creation, rehabilitation and expansion of water and sanitation systems, the population in Ceará’s rural areas is better prepared to face water scarcity aggravated by climate change.
05
05
100 million euro for energy efficiency in Brazilian water companies
New regulations include energy efficiency measures and make it possible to modernize water infrastructure and reduce operating costs.

The investment in renewable energies is transforming not only Brazil's energy matrix, but the history of many Brazilian citizens. We have asked adolescents and young women about their professional dreams for the future, and they have made it clear: they have the clean energy market in their sights. Watch the video:

Our Stories

Timeline

<
>
1961
The Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) was established in Germany on November 14.
1961
1962
1972
1975
1977
1981
1991
1992
1993
2000
2008
2015
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
1962
Cooperativa Pindorama (Alagoas) establishes the first cooperation with the German government. The cooperative remains strong with 30,000 hectares of productive area in the agriculture and livestock sectors.
1961
1962
1972
1975
1977
1981
1991
1992
1993
2000
2008
2015
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
1972
Cooperativa Piá expands its milk processing business after training provided by the German Cooperation. Currently, it operates in 85 municipalities with a focus on the production of healthy foods.
1961
1962
1972
1975
1977
1981
1991
1992
1993
2000
2008
2015
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
1975
Inauguration of the Farming Administration School (ESAF), conceived under the framework of cooperation with the DSE (German Development Foundation). The cooperation began in 1970 and specialized consultancies, training and interchange programmes have taken place since then.
1961
1962
1972
1975
1977
1981
1991
1992
1993
2000
2008
2015
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
1977
The no-till farming method was multiplied in several states by farmers from Paraná who benefited from the Cooperation.
1961
1962
1972
1975
1977
1981
1991
1992
1993
2000
2008
2015
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
1981
Anyone eating an apple today in Brazil does not imagine that there is a tad of German Cooperation in this story. Most of the apples consumed by Brazilians used to come from Argentina. The state of Santa Catarina has developed apple cultivation technologies alongside German partners.
1961
1962
1972
1975
1977
1981
1991
1992
1993
2000
2008
2015
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
1991
German Chancellor Helmut Kohl visits the Amazon. PPG-7, the Pilot Program for the Protection of the Rainforest in Brazil, was the initiative that jump-started international cooperation to combat climate change.
1961
1962
1972
1975
1977
1981
1991
1992
1993
2000
2008
2015
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
1992
The Biodiversity Convention was signed during the ECO-92 conference.
1961
1962
1972
1975
1977
1981
1991
1992
1993
2000
2008
2015
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
1993
Cooperation with CETESB in São Paulo aimed at recovering contaminated urban areas. Institutional strengthening of environmental agencies was already the goal for both Brazil and Germany since the ‘80s, with the understanding that cooperation in the environmental area should become the focus of bilateral cooperation.
1961
1962
1972
1975
1977
1981
1991
1992
1993
2000
2008
2015
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2000
Cooperation with Senai and Sebrae which enabled the enhancement of capacity-building for professionals in the Northeast, thus contributing to the economic development within the region.
1961
1962
1972
1975
1977
1981
1991
1992
1993
2000
2008
2015
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2008
Two important events underpin the Brazil-Germany Cooperation:
• Signing of the Brazil-Germany Energy Agreement with a view to strengthening this area of cooperation. At 350 million in funding provided by Germany, the expansion of the installation of wind farms in Brazil is initiated through the Brazilian Development Bank (BNDES).
• First projects under the International Climate Initiative (IKI) by the Federal Ministry of Environment, Nature Protection and Nuclear Safety (BMU) are rolled out in Brazil. The focus is placed in areas such as mitigation, adaptation, forests and biodiversity, as well as in marine and coastal areas.
1961
1962
1972
1975
1977
1981
1991
1992
1993
2000
2008
2015
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2015
Chancellor Angela Merkel visits Brazil and interacts with young people from underprivileged communities in Bahia. The governments of Brazil and Germany make new commitments on the two pillars of the cooperation: protection and sustainable use of rainforest; renewable energy and energy efficiency.
1961
1962
1972
1975
1977
1981
1991
1992
1993
2000
2008
2015
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2017
Intergovernmental negotiations: ratification of dynamic cooperation supported by trust and mutual respect. Approval of EUR 334.5 million for new investments.
1961
1962
1972
1975
1977
1981
1991
1992
1993
2000
2008
2015
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2018
With funding provided through the Cooperation, Salvador's subway starts running, thus providing improvement for the environment and for the population of the city and the curtailing of greenhouse gas emissions.
1961
1962
1972
1975
1977
1981
1991
1992
1993
2000
2008
2015
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2019
Launching of the Brazilian Charter on Smart Cities. The national reference document has been drafted in a collaborative process and consolidates a national vision on the responsible and innovative use of digital transformation for sustainable and inclusive urban development.
1961
1962
1972
1975
1977
1981
1991
1992
1993
2000
2008
2015
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2020
Signature of an agreement with the United Nations Environment Program for studies on environmental accounting and climate-based funding. The Cooperation with the Federal Court of Accounts (TCU) promotes the strengthening of external oversight in the environmental area, in which Brazil is a reference throughout Latin America.
1961
1962
1972
1975
1977
1981
1991
1992
1993
2000
2008
2015
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2021
Two important events underpin the year of the Brazil-Germany Cooperation:
• Confirmation of a new technical cooperation project for professional skill-building of 14,000 technicians in renewable energy, bioeconomy and circular economy sectors by 2024.
• H2Brasil launch, a project to support the expansion of the green hydrogen market in the country through tools, initiatives, and studies to improve the legal, institutional, and technological conditions of the sector.
1961
1962
1972
1975
1977
1981
1991
1992
1993
2000
2008
2015
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
1961
1962
1972
1975
1977
1981
1991
1992
1993
2000
2008
2015
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
1961
The Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) was established in Germany on November 14.
1962
Cooperativa Pindorama (Alagoas) establishes the first cooperation with the German government. The cooperative remains strong with 30,000 hectares of productive area in the agriculture and livestock sectors.
1972
Cooperativa Piá expands its milk processing business after training provided by the German Cooperation. Currently, it operates in 85 municipalities with a focus on the production of healthy foods.
1975
Inauguration of the Farming Administration School (ESAF), conceived under the framework of cooperation with the DSE (German Development Foundation). The cooperation began in 1970 and specialized consultancies, training and interchange programmes have taken place since then.
1977
The no-till farming method was multiplied in several states by farmers from Paraná who benefited from the Cooperation.
1981
Anyone eating an apple today in Brazil does not imagine that there is a tad of German Cooperation in this story. Most of the apples consumed by Brazilians used to come from Argentina. The state of Santa Catarina has developed apple cultivation technologies alongside German partners.
1991
German Chancellor Helmut Kohl visits the Amazon. PPG-7, the Pilot Program for the Protection of the Rainforest in Brazil, was the initiative that jump-started international cooperation to combat climate change.
1992
The Biodiversity Convention was signed during the ECO-92 conference.
1993
Cooperation with CETESB in São Paulo aimed at recovering contaminated urban areas. Institutional strengthening of environmental agencies was already the goal for both Brazil and Germany since the ‘80s, with the understanding that cooperation in the environmental area should become the focus of bilateral cooperation.
2000
Cooperation with Senai and Sebrae which enabled the enhancement of capacity-building for professionals in the Northeast, thus contributing to the economic development within the region.
2008
Two important events underpin the Brazil-Germany Cooperation:
• Signing of the Brazil-Germany Energy Agreement with a view to strengthening this area of cooperation. At 350 million in funding provided by Germany, the expansion of the installation of wind farms in Brazil is initiated through the Brazilian Development Bank (BNDES).
• First projects under the International Climate Initiative (IKI) by the Federal Ministry of Environment, Nature Protection and Nuclear Safety (BMU) are rolled out in Brazil. The focus is placed in areas such as mitigation, adaptation, forests and biodiversity, as well as in marine and coastal areas.
2015
Chancellor Angela Merkel visits Brazil and interacts with young people from underprivileged communities in Bahia. The governments of Brazil and Germany make new commitments on the two pillars of the cooperation: protection and sustainable use of rainforest; renewable energy and energy efficiency.
2017
Intergovernmental negotiations: ratification of dynamic cooperation supported by trust and mutual respect. Approval of EUR 334.5 million for new investments.
2018
With funding provided through the Cooperation, Salvador's subway starts running, thus providing improvement for the environment and for the population of the city and the curtailing of greenhouse gas emissions.
2019
Launching of the Brazilian Charter on Smart Cities. The national reference document has been drafted in a collaborative process and consolidates a national vision on the responsible and innovative use of digital transformation for sustainable and inclusive urban development.
2020
Signature of an agreement with the United Nations Environment Program for studies on environmental accounting and climate-based funding. The Cooperation with the Federal Court of Accounts (TCU) promotes the strengthening of external oversight in the environmental area, in which Brazil is a reference throughout Latin America.
2021
Two important events underpin the year of the Brazil-Germany Cooperation:
• Confirmation of a new technical cooperation project for professional skill-building of 14,000 technicians in renewable energy, bioeconomy and circular economy sectors by 2024.
• H2Brasil launch, a project to support the expansion of the green hydrogen market in the country through tools, initiatives, and studies to improve the legal, institutional, and technological conditions of the sector.

“All photos and videos featured on this page were taken/recorded prior to February 2020.”