A city councilor in Salvador, Bahia, and a national leader in sustainability, André Fraga is a RenovaBR leader who combines technical expertise, political engagement, and environmental activism to transform his city. As an Ambassador of RenovaBR's Sustainability Journey, he uses his experience to mobilize leaders and strengthen the environmental agenda across various spheres.
Fraga emphasizes that his time at the Secretariat of Sustainability, Innovation, and Resilience in Salvador was important for his career in politics and environmental issues. According to him, the position brought him visibility and the opportunity to implement concrete public policies, in addition to fostering leadership with the same purpose. Prior to that, his work in social movements and party leadership gave him a broad perspective on how both politics and social mobilization work.
For him, implementing environmental policies at the municipal level involves complex challenges. Among them are the scarcity of resources, both in terms of people capable of contributing and financial resources, and the need for constant dialogue with different sectors.
"The challenges are enormous. The environmental sector is struggling with limited resources and attention, and it's often necessary to integrate management across the board, engaging with everyone, even those who don't care about or even oppose what you're trying to implement," he says.
Exchanging experiences strengthens the impact
As an ambassador for RenovaBR's Sustainability Journey, the councilman has participated in the Sustainability Working Group. He considers the group essential for reflecting on sustainable policies and practices, bringing together different perspectives and experiences. He believes these exchanges strengthen the network and allow him to contribute his own experience.
"The chosen theme, in its four aspects, is fundamental to the development of any city. I've noticed that this engagement is growing, and I'm happy to be able to contribute to this exchange," he explains.
In addition to his local work, the councilor draws inspiration from his participation in international events, such as COP 23, and his recognition with the Sustainable Cities Award. These experiences reinforce the importance of connecting Salvador to global practices and sharing successful initiatives with other cities.
"It connects us with the latest on the climate agenda, with other cities and networks, and allows us not only to bring good ideas, but also to share best practices of what we have achieved," comments Fraga.
Faced with the challenging political and environmental landscape, he argues that sustainability and social justice are inseparable. The councilman believes that tackling climate crises requires connection, networking, and constant resistance, always reaffirming the truth and combating misinformation.
"We live in a very complex time, perhaps one of the most complex in humanity's history, because we have the capacity to self-extinguish. Therefore, I believe the way forward is through connection, networking, and resistance, constantly reaffirming the truth and combating lies with information and energy," he concludes.
