O Prince William’s second day of engagements in Rio de Janeiro began this Tuesday (4) with a visit to Paquetá Islandin Guanabara Bay. The heir to the British throne learned about projects aimed at preserving mangroves and met with representatives from the Ministry of the Environment and the Chico Mendes Institute for Biodiversity Conservation (ICMBio).
Before the prince’s arrival, Federal Police teams carried out a complete sweep of the island. Sniffer dogs and metal detectors were used in the work, part of the strong security scheme set up for the visit. William arrived at the scene on a Brazilian Navy vessel, waving and smiling at those waiting for him on the pier.
“He was very helpful. He came to the fence, spoke to the children, held them on their laps to take photos. He was friendly from beginning to end”, said Carine Silva, the lawyer who managed to record the meeting with the prince.
During his visit to Paquetá, William was friendly, took photos, talked to residents and received gifts from the community.
“I made a painting of a helicopter carrier that was from the United Kingdom and is now from Brazil. I wanted to give it to him to show this connection between the two countries”, said Marcel Gomes de Castro, 12 years old.
The prince met with Mauro Pires, president of ICMBio, Ana Paula Prates, head of the Oceans Department of the Ministry of the Environment, and Breno Herrera da Silva, manager of the Southeast Region of ICMBio. At the meeting, he heard about actions to restore the Guapimirim mangroves and about the involvement of local communities in protecting marine life and ecosystems in Guanabara Bay.
“The prince came to see a conservation unit, and we understand that they are the best strategy to face climate change,” said Mauro Oliveira Pires, president of ICMBio. “Here, we combine economic, cultural activity and people’s way of life with environmental conservation. He was able to see up close a restoration experience led by a community that was prepared and trained for this. This coexistence between the environment and people shows that Brazil has lessons to share, and, of course, also to learn from other countries. We arrived at the COP with very successful initiatives.”
Soon after leaving Paquetá, the prince headed to a mangrove area in Guapimirim, also in Guanabara Bay, administered by ICMBio. There, he learned about the environmental restoration work being carried out and spoke with representatives of the communities that help clean and protect the region’s waters and wildlife.
During the visit, William participated in a planting activity alongside the so-called “Local Guardians”, a group that works to restore the ecosystem. He heard reports about the efforts to preserve mangroves and the scientific studies that support the reforestation projects conducted by the institute.
1st day in Rio de Janeiro
On Monday (3), Prince William had an intense day in Rio. In the morning, he was at Morro da Urca, where he received the keys to the city from Mayor Eduardo Paes and talked about Rio de Janeiro’s role in promoting sustainability.
Then, where he played ball with children participating in the Geração Earthshot program, an initiative that encourages young people to develop ideas to combat the climate crisis. Later, in Copacabana, he followed sea rescue demonstrations carried out by the Fire Department and learned about the activities of the Botinho Project, aimed at environmental education and the safety of children and teenagers on the beaches.
Throughout the day, William was received enthusiastically by residents and tourists, took photos, distributed smiles and reinforced the message of encouraging collective action to protect the environment.
The heir to the British throne will close his agenda in Rio de Janeiro this Wednesday (5), with the delivery of what will be held at the Museum of Tomorrow. Considered the “Oscar of Sustainability”, the award recognizes initiatives that face the planet’s biggest environmental challenges.
After the ceremony, where he will participate in the COP30 World Leaders Summit, representing his father, King Charles III.
