GreenFaith Brasil and FOMA (Magé Climate Forum) have launched a partnership to create a network for connecting and mobilizing religious leaders in the city of Magé for climate justice.

The Magé Climate Forum (FOMA) is a collective organized by young socio-environmental activists and researchers from the city of Magé, in the Rio de Janeiro Metropolitan Region, created out of the need to combat climate injustice and environmental racism in the region. Its main objectives are: raising awareness, through educommunication, of the impacts of the climate crisis in Magé and the Baixada Fluminense region of Rio de Janeiro; coordinating institutions and movements that work in different ways to address socio-environmental injustices in the city, amplifying the voices of community leaders fighting for social justice in the region; conducting educational activities to build civil society; and engaging in local and regional political advocacy.

Magé is a city with unique socio-biodiversity within the state of Rio de Janeiro, located between the mountains and the sea, blending rural and urban environments, and still covered by remnants of the Atlantic Forest biome. Thus, it encompasses diverse ecosystems and has diverse traditional communities spread throughout the territory. Based on this reality, the need to bring to the fore the discussion on the implementation of socio-environmental public policies within this city was recognized. These policies have historically been implemented ineffectively in relation to environmental protection mechanisms and, consequently, have impacted the quality of life of its population, exposing them disproportionately to environmental risks. The terror caused by the oil industry in Guanabara Bay and some of its tributary rivers is similar in some respects to that suffered by the populations affected by the mining industry. A specific modus operandi is adopted regarding environmental “accidents” and the way these areas are treated as “sacrifice zones.” It’s a calculated terror used to drive the community from its territory, further fueling this oil occupation. “It’s not new that Guanabara Bay has become the base for the offshore industry.”

Essentially considering the diversity of religions and faiths, the meetings we’ve planned demonstrate a democratic and pluralistic possibility for interconnection between groups through collaboration, listening, and respect. We’re creating a broad and diverse space for each entity or religious group to consider its role in the fight against the climate crisis and fossil fuels.

Through discussion groups, breakfasts, and meeting activities, our intention is also to raise awareness among the participating entities to further engage in political pressure, to commit to disseminating accurate information, and to engage local leaders in developing equitable climate strategies with transparency and social and environmental responsibility.