University leads international workshop on Amazon rainforest climate resilience
Posted on: 11 September, 2025
By Professor Angela Lee and Dr Muhammad Qasim Rana
The University of the Built Environment has co-hosted a landmark international EcoBrazil workshop in Belém, bringing together researchers, policymakers and community leaders to tackle the urgent challenge of climate resilience in the Amazon rainforest.
Home to unparalleled biodiversity, the Amazon is also at the frontline of climate change and rapid urbanisation. More than 10,000 species are currently at risk of extinction, while deforestation and land clearance continue at alarming rates.
A key aim of the workshop is to bridge the gap between scientific knowledge and practical application.
Leading the project, Dr Muhammad Qasim Rana of the University of the Built Environment said: “EcoBrazil demonstrates the power of international collaboration in addressing global challenges.
“By bringing together researchers, policymakers and communities from the UK and Brazil, we are co-developing innovative strategies that not only protect biodiversity and strengthen resilience in the Amazon, but also provide models for sustainable development worldwide.”
For the University of the Built Environment, this workshop represents one of its key focuses on climate action and sustainable planning.
Funded by a £53,200 grant from the British Council’s International Science Partnerships Fund and held at the Universidade Federal do Pará (UFPA), EcoBrazil explored biodiversity protection, ecosystem adaptation and sustainable bio-economies.
Participants worked on developing a joint research roadmap using simulation modelling to test and design sustainable development strategies for the region.
Outcomes are expected to include joint publications, enhanced research capacity and new funding bids.
Delegates included 19 representatives from UK institutions such as the University of Greater Manchester, University of Surrey, Leeds Beckett University, University of Plymouth and Northumbria University, who joined 37 participants from Brazilian partners, including UFPA, the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro and the Universidade Federal do Oeste do Pará.
By aligning with the priorities of the Amazonia+10 initiative, the project also aims to create lasting partnerships between the UK and Brazil and foster approaches that balance economic development with environmental stewardship.
The event, held from 10–13 August 2025, was designed to be inclusive for non-funded participants and those with mobility limitations, ensuring broad access to discussions of global importance.
Those inspired by EcoBrazil’s themes can explore the University’s postgraduate programmes in Innovation in Sustainable Built Environments.
