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Welcome to the first edition of our “Meet the Team” blog series! We know that tackling climate change and deforestation requires not only bold action, but also leadership and collaboration to turn vision into reality. Through this series, we’re excited to introduce you to the incredible individuals driving the Race to Belém – a global campaign to catalyze private sector investment in protecting and restoring Brazil’s forests. As we work to mobilize urgent action ahead of COP30 in Belém, Brazil, we’re kicking things off by spotlighting the person leading the Race to Belém campaign: our CEO, Keith Tuffley.
Now, let’s hear from Keith as he talks about what the Race to Belém campaign is all about, why it matters, and shares his vision and hopes for its impact.
What is Race to Belém?
The Race to Belém is a global initiative to catalyze private-sector investment in protecting and restoring Brazil’s rainforests. It brings together businesses, conservation experts, and local and national governments to mobilize urgent action ahead of COP30 in November, which will be hosted in Belém, Brazil.
Why has Race to Belém been launched?
As the world focuses on Brazil during COP30 in Belém, this is a pivotal opportunity for us to rally investment at the scale and speed required to safeguard global ecosystems and livelihoods.
Who has launched the Race to Belém?
The campaign was initiated by Silvania in collaboration with Conservation International, The Nature Conservancy, and the We Mean Business Coalition. The program involves a close working relationship with various Brazilian state governments, together with Indigenous Peoples, local and traditional communities, farmers, and other key stakeholders.
What was your interest in joining the Race to Belém team?
It is an innovative project that aligns well with my values, experience and skills in investment banking, climate change, conservation, and campaign-building. I spent many years at Goldman Sachs, UBS and Citigroup, advising companies in raising capital for their growth, and supporting their sustainability and climate strategies. I also spent a number of years as the CEO of The B Team, an NGO comprising prominent CEO’s, entrepreneurs, and also civil society leaders to drive a better way of doing business. In 2015 we helped drive a campaign to achieve an ambitious Paris Agreement and promote the UN Sustainable Development Goals. These campaigns, and my experience in investment banking, are what we need for the Race to Belém.
Why is COP30 a critical moment for the Amazon?
This is a critical time for the Amazon rainforest and Brazilian forests. Scientifically, we’re getting close to a Tipping Point where the Amazon could irreversibly shift to a new system dominated by savannah. If the destruction of the rainforest continues at the current rates for the next decade, leading scientists are predicting accelerated environmental changes with global impacts. That’s why the timing of COP30 being held in Belém, in the rainforest region of Brazil, is so significant. While recent research shows some progress and pullback from certain companies, we can’t afford to slow down. We need to accelerate action, collaborate with the right stakeholders, and seize this moment as an opportunity to drive meaningful change. This is a unique chance to mobilize and address what is truly a pivotal point in history.
Why is the campaign targeting the private sector?
The private sector plays a crucial role in tackling climate change and stopping deforestation in Brazil, as it controls much of the financial resources worldwide. There has been a significant shift in corporate responsibility over the past two decades, particularly since the Paris Agreement. However, meaningful change requires collaboration across the entire system – companies, investors, banks, and policymakers must all step up. Addressing deforestation demands collective action to align incentives and overcome system-level barriers, ensuring companies prioritize nature and environmental initiatives as part of their business / ESG strategies.
How will Race to Belém tackle deforestation in Brazil?
Race to Belém offers an opportunity to channel funds to help scale up Jurisdictional REDD+ programs in Brazil, developed and implemented in direct collaboration with Brazilian States, Indigenous Peoples, local and traditional communities, private landowners and the Brazilian Federal government.