Photo: screengrab from the official website of Brasil 247

By Brasil 247 - The president of Brazil's National Bank for Economic and Social Development (BNDES), Aloizio Mercadante, announced that the bank is joining forces with a major national financial institution and other partners to establish a carbon credit certifier. The announcement was made in an interview with the Estado de S. Paulo newspaper (Broadcast) published on Monday (November 10). 

Mercadante explained that the new certifier will be a decisive step toward greater credibility and transparency in Brazil's carbon credit market. The initiative seeks to recognize the country's unique ecosystems—particularly the Amazon rainforest—and counter efforts to equate native forests with commercial plantations. "You cannot compare one hectare of Amazon forest with one hectare of pine trees, as some want in this market," he said.

The BNDES president emphasized that tropical forest biodiversity is irreplaceable and vital for humanity. He argued that restoration using native species should be prioritized not only for environmental reasons but also for scientific and economic development. "It is important both for pharmacological research, for food, and for the environmental services that the forest provides to society," he stated.

Mercadante added that the initiative also represents a strategic effort for Brazil in a competitive global sector. "The certifier is a tough dispute with Northern countries," he remarked.

Hosting the COP-30, Brazil expects the conference to serve as a showcase for its leadership in climate policy and ecological transition. Through the new certifier, the country aims to establish a fairer model for carbon credits, one that values its forests and ensures equitable standards for environmental compensation.

The effort underscores BNDES's growing role in financing sustainable initiatives and developing financial tools that advance the green economy, further positioning Brazil as an environmental powerhouse on the global stage.

(Reported by Brasil 247 on November 10, 2025)