After a first day consisting of an official welcome with football in the Maracana Stadium and barefoot beach volleyball on Copacabana, the future king’s second day in Brazil – and reason for visiting – was focused on the environment.
Hollywood star Leonardo Di Caprio recorded a video message at the summit, urging world leaders meeting in Brazil to “unite with courage and ambition”.
Tuesday’s wildlife summit organised by William – the first of its kind – highlighted the damage caused by environmental crime, and the prince announced a new fund for wildlife rangers.
William described Latin America as a “global leader in biodiversity and environmental conservation”.
He criticised deforestation linked to criminal gangs, saying: “This crime fuels violence and corruption, distorts legitimate economies, and negatively impacts the livelihoods of millions.”
But he ended on an optimistic note: “We must stand alongside those who everyday are standing up and defending nature.
“We must recognise and celebrate these protectors, not just in words but through our actions. And we must act together.”
Prince William is in Brazil to present the Earthshot Prize, the annual award from the charity he set up, on Wednesday.
He is also scheduled to give a speech at COP30, the UN’s annual climate meeting where governments discuss how to limit and prepare for further climate change, the following day.