My name is Luisa Neves, and I am an Environmental Management student at the University Center of Sete Lagoas (UNIFEMM). On December 8th, I applied for an internship position with the EcoCitizen team during COP30, held in Belém do Pará, my hometown.

At COP30 in Belém, Constanza Gómez Montt, founder of C Mines, explains how Latin America is leveraging technology and AI—such as projects to conserve the jaguar—to protect biodiversity. She highlights the NaturaTech LAC initiative, a regional network spanning eight countries that uses innovation to scale environmental impact. Gomez Montt also delivers a powerful message on systemic leadership, urging women to lead through care, inclusion, and the protection of both natural and human ecosystems.

In an interview at COP30, Nonette Royo, Executive Director of the Tenure Facility and 2025 Earthshot Prize finalist, emphasizes a powerful message: land rights is climate action. Royo discusses the critical importance of funding for Indigenous peoples and celebrates the growing influence of women leading climate negotiations on the front lines. Despite the challenges, she highlights a global shift toward collaboration and the essential “heart” that women bring to environmental protection.

At COP30 in Belém, Dr. Flávia Maia discusses her work with the non-profit Filha do Sol. She highlights the power of women’s leadership in Brazil’s Northeast, focusing on how connecting frontline projects like agroforestry and mangrove restoration to funding is key to solving the climate crisis.