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Belem, Brazil is preparing to host the COP30 and construction continues in Belem

In a month, the first heads of state are expected to arrive in the Amazonian city of Belem for the United Nations Climate Summit. However, the infrastructure that will receive them is still not finished.

Another three-story structure is still far from being completed. It sits alongside what has been called the "leaders' village," which is a collection of low-slung structures that will be home to many visiting presidents.

The helipad on its gleaming glass and white facade overlooks the complex that will host the 197 nation climate talks, also known as COP30. The building's raw shell is visible at the rear, away from the road, but over the housing of the president.

The Para government has said that it does not see the structure as part of the Leaders Village or of the larger public works for the COP30. However, the helipad at the top will be "made available" to meet the needs of the conference.

The construction site is still a good representation of the unfinished, frenetic quality that has gripped this tropical city with 1.3 million residents in its final month of preparations.

The state government of Para said that the over 30 public works, which it is preparing to host COP30, with an investment of 4.5 billion reals ($845 millions), are on time. These include roads, parks and drainage channels, as well as refurbished tourist attractions.

Renovations are underway at the airport international and in the city hotels. A dozen of these hotels will be built specifically for the conference.

The construction of a huge pier with thousands berths is still ongoing. A terminal to receive floating hotels was supposed to open in July but only 79% was completed last month.

The lack of hotel rooms has pushed prices up to levels not seen in previous conferences. This has stoked tensions among diplomats, U.N. conference organizers, and the Brazilian Government.

Brazilian President Luiz inacio Lula da silva played down these concerns during his visit to Belem, last week.

In a television interview, he joked: "I'm going want to sleep on the boat." "We don’t have the boat, but I will find one."

(source: Reuters)