Brazil Advances Environmental Innovation with New Tech to Fight Marine Pollution and Urban Floods

Brazil is making significant strides in environmental innovation through cutting-edge technological initiatives targeting marine litter and urban flooding. The 2nd Promares Workshop held on March 16-17 in São Luís, Maranhão, brought together government representatives, scientists, and international partners to plan strategies for combating marine pollution and promoting a circular economy. Coordinated by Technische Universität Braunschweig in Germany, the Promares project runs from 2025 to 2028 and is active in Bahia, Pará, Maranhão, and Rio de Janeiro. Bahia's participation, led by the Secretaria de Ciência, Tecnologia e Inovação, includes collaboration with local institutions like Universidade do Estado da Bahia (Uneb) and in environmental agencies to boost research and innovation for sustainable solutions against marine litter. Meanwhile, in Mato Grosso do Sul, the HidroEX project at the Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul (UFMS), supported by the state government, Semadesc, and Fundect, is developing advanced flood prediction and monitoring technologies using artificial intelligence and deep learning. With Campo Grande experiencing over 300 mm of rain in February — its highest in a decade — HidroEX focuses on integrating climate, hydrological, and urban planning data to minimize flood risks. Notable outcomes include a network of 54 rain gauges and the development of hydraulic models to assist city planning. Fundect's support has been instrumental in scaling these efforts. Together, these projects exemplify Brazil's commitment to leveraging science and technology to address pressing environmental challenges with practical, community-focused solutions.