Since 1950, Brazil has experienced rapid and intense urbanization. This unplanned growth resulted in informal settlements developing on the outskirts of cities. Around 16.3 million of Brazilians now find themselves living in precarious communities, often located in risk areas prone to flooding or landslides. These settlements frequently lack basic infrastructure and services, leaving residents highly vulnerable to the increasing intensity of extreme weather events.

In a new partnership with the government of Brazil – signed during the launch ceremony of the Periferia Viva program attended by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva – UNOPS will help strengthen the country’s resilience to climate-induced disasters. This includes the implementation of a disaster risk prevention and mitigation strategy in 120 municipalities across the country. 

“Today is the day that the periphery of this country becomes visible to the government and society. You will no longer be invisible, we will be seeing you,” said the President of Brazil, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, about the nationwide Periferia Viva program.

The work includes providing technical assistance to develop prevention and response plans in cities particularly vulnerable to landslides, flash floods and flooding.

UNOPS will also provide 500 local government officials with training in disaster risk management to build capacity locally and help ensure cities are better equipped and prepared in the face of disasters.

“Providing technical assistance to local governments for them to adopt and implement strategies for disaster risk reduction in their cities is crucial to support Brazil in building resilience to climate change and protecting those who are the most vulnerable,” added Fernando Barbieri.