Biodiversity is a material topic for Bracell which embraces strategies, policies, and programs to preserve forests, including the diverse fauna and flora species they harbor, and to prevent deforestation.

In 2023, Bracell announced its set of long-term sustainability targets and commitments titled “Bracell 2030”, which includes specific Biodiversity targets:

Conservation of 230,000 ha of native forests 

Protection of endemic and threatened species

Support for the reintroduction of animals into the wild

Scientific research  on biodiversity conservation

Protecting forests and biodiversity is intrinsic to our business. In our forestry operations, we implement strategies to protect native vegetation and biodiversity in the Caatinga, Cerrado and Mata Atlântica biomes hosting our operations.

We use official data from the Rural Environmental Register (CAR) to georeference information about the farms we manage. In our geographic information system, we intersect this data with other data sets, such as those compiled in our protected areas and buffer zones. This informs our operational procedures on each property, depending on the constraints and conditions set in management plans.

Bracell’s eucalyptus plantations are always established on land previously used for crops or as pastureland. Bracell has been committed to zero deforestation since its inception, a commitment that is formalized in our Sustainability Policy.

Bracell’s forestry management practices include:

• Cultivating eucalyptus in forest mosaics, interspersing plantation areas with native forests (including Atlantic Forest, Cerrado, and Caatinga formations), thereby enhancing biodiversity, ecosystem services, and scenic landscapes
• Retaining post-harvest residue, such as bark, branches, and leaves. This reduces reliance on chemical fertilizers by adding organic matter into the soil
• Implementing Natural Pest Control through Integrated Pest and Disease Management (IPDM). Using genetic resistance and natural predators helps to maintain environmental balance, with chemical interventions left as a last resort; and
• Conserving protected areas and biodiversity. Bracell has no operations in Protected Areas or Legal Reserves or on peatlands.

One-For-One Commitment

In 2022, we launched our One-For-One Commitment—the first initiative of its kind in the pulp industry. Under this commitment, we have pledged to support the preservation of native vegetation in an area the same size as our eucalyptus plantations. Every hectare of eucalyptus forests we plant will be matched with another hectare of preserved native vegetation.

This industry-first initiative builds on our efforts to expand biodiversity beyond our fence line. Our One-For-One pledge is a permanent commitment. If we expand our eucalyptus plantations post 2025, we will proportionately expand our protected areas by a One-For-One ratio.

In addition to preserving existing native vegetation in our forestry areas, this commitment supports conservation efforts on public land and the restoration of disturbed land through partnerships with governments and other organizations. As part of the initiative, we also help to prevent and respond to forest fires, deforestation, theft of native timber, poaching, and illegal trafficking in wild animal species.

Through public partnerships at the federal, state and municipal levels, we provide services or materials to different types of protected areas, such as parks, ecological stations, and wildlife refuges. We may also establish partnerships with private landowners to support conservation on Private Natural Heritage Reserves (RPPN) or to restore disturbed land.

In both cases, the partnerships are designed on the basis of criteria such as location, strategy and the conservation priorities of each party. Through these partnerships, we are able to provide effective support to efforts to protect the environment and conserve or enhance biodiversity and ecosystem services, while also helping to mitigate climate change through carbon sequestration in our own or partner-managed forests.

2023 Highlights

In 2023, Bracell:

• Signed a ten-year commitment with the São Paulo Forest Foundation to sponsor environmental protection initiatives in significant Atlantic Forest and Cerrado formations.
• Signed a mutual cooperation agreement with the Bahia State Environmental Department (SEMA) and the Mato Grosso do Sul Environmental Institute (IMASUL) to support conservation and protected area management and to safeguard natural heritage by conserving fauna and flora species, protecting water resources, and enhancing carbon sequestration in forest formations.
• Benefited 11 protected areas in São Paulo: Sebastião Aleixo Ecological Station and Aimorés Wildlife Refuge – Botanical Garden, in Bauru; Caetetus Ecological Station, in Gália; Santa Bárbara Ecological Station, in Águas de Santa Bárbara; Barreiro Rico Ecological Station, in Anhembi; Carlos Botelho State Park, in São Miguel Arcanjo; Nascentes do Paranapanema State Park, in Capão Bonito; Avaré Ecological Station, in Avaré; Paranapanema Ecological Station, in Paranapanema; Angatuba Ecological Station, in Angatuba; and Itapeva Ecological Station, in Itapeva.
• Delivered the detailed design of a primate bridge to allow primates to safely cross roads and prevent them from becoming islanded in the Barreiro Rico Ecological Station, in the Municipality of Anhembi (SP);
• Developed studies and recommendations for controlling invasive species having adverse impacts on local biodiversity and for remote monitoring of wildlife using recorders and camera traps, helping to identify species and monitor environmental quality indicators.

92% of One-for-One Commitment achieved

Integrated Landscape Management

In 2023 we rolled out a project developed jointly with nongovernmental organization Conservation International Brazil (CI-Brazil), called “Integrated Landscape Management: geo-information for decision support in Bracell’s area of influence.”

This initiative directly supports our Bracell 2030 commitment to develop an integrated territorial intelligence system to manage natural capital and maintain sustainable landscapes throughout our area of influence. We use an innovative methodology that intersects 19 indicators in an integrated and holistic approach spanning three dimensions: conservation, restoration of native vegetation, and land use.

Biodiversity initiatives and commitments

• TNFD: in 2022 we became signatories of the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosure (TNFD) as members of the CEBDS Action for Nature Platform, which we joined in 2021. This initiative aims to drive accountability and real change in the way natural resources are managed in the territories where participating companies operate.
• CEBDS: as members, we have committed to take biodiversity into consideration as a pillar of our sustainability strategy, ensuring that we (see our targets here):
  • Manage risks and prevent impacts on biodiversity;
  • Promote biodiversity in our value chain;
  • Conduct R&D on biodiversity conservation;
  • Monitor fauna and flora;
  • Disclose biodiversity data;
  • Disseminate biodiversity information;
  • Implement a biodiversity conservation and rehabilitation plan; and
  • Implement initiatives to promote biodiversity in partnership with stakeholders.
• Mutual Cooperation Agreement on Biodiversity: we have established a mutual cooperation agreement with the Bahia State Environment Department (SEMA) to implement initiatives to protect biodiversity and Atlantic Forest formations.
• Fundação Florestal: we have signed a ten-year sponsorship agreement with Fundação Florestal, a foundation linked to the São Paulo State Environmental Department, to support conservation and environmental protection initiatives in areas containing significant Atlantic Forest and Cerrado
• Mato Grosso do Sul Environmental Institute (IMASUL): Bracell has signed a technical cooperation agreement with IMASUL to support conservation initiatives in areas harboring native vegetation.
• Empresa Amiga da Mata Atlântica (“Friends of the Atlantic Forest”): Bracell has recently joined this initiative, led by the National Council of the Atlantic Forest Biosphere Reserve (RBMA). As a member, we support the conservation and sustainable use of this biome.
• Atlantic Forest Restoration Pact: a voluntary initiative that aims to restore 15 million hectares by 2050. The Pact addresses restoration methods, partners and research, as well as interaction with other initiatives that can use our models as a blueprint.
• SOS Mata Atlântica: Bracell is a partner and has committed to restoring 30 hectares in protected areas and legal reserves, helping to form wildlife corridors to enhance biodiversity and water quality.

Bracell does not engage in initiatives involving the sharing of benefits.

 

In 2023 there were no significant social or environmental impacts from our operations. Bracell seeks to augment the positive effects of its operations and activities while mitigating or minimizing negative impacts.  To achieve this, we:

• Maintain an updated survey of social and environmental aspects and impacts, involving all our operations in order to identify, prevent and address any issues;
• Determine and assess social and environmental impacts before commencing operations;
• Conduct product assessments on risks related to safety, health, and the environment;
• Regularly monitor impacts to measure progress and the need to implement strategic action plans.

Practices as part of our approach to managing risks and preventing potential impacts on biodiversity

• Monitoring changes resulting from forestry operations—annually for fauna and every two years for flora (in our Bahia operations); every three years for fauna and every five years for flora (in our São Paulo operations).
• Fauna monitoring during logging and skidding operations—if any animals remain in the area and are in danger, they are scared off, rescued, or transported to the nearest reserve.
• Planting eucalyptus only in areas previously used for agricultural crops or pastures. Bracell does not convert native forests in accordance with our sustainability policy guidelines, and we have considered deforestation to be conversion of native areas since July 2008, in accordance with Law no. 12,651 (May 25, 2012), the Brazilian Forest Code.
• Monitoring of potential impacts in adjacent areas, such as protected areas and legal reserves—by field employees themselves, via satellite imagery and drones and during fauna and flora monitoring programs. No impacts have been observed so far during biodiversity monitoring, thanks to good forestry practices.
• Not introducing invasive species, pests, and pathogens, and not introducing changes in ecological processes outside the natural range of variation.
• Analyzing water quality in representative management units to monitor for any changes in physical and chemical properties and to determine whether these occurred as a result of forestry operations, aiming to prevent, minimize, and mitigate negative impacts on water bodies.
• Systematically monitoring diesel-powered vehicles and machinery which may cause air pollution, in accordance with applicable regulations.
• Handling and labeling chemicals in accordance with applicable regulations, regulatory standards, and certification standards.
• Identifying activities deemed to have the greatest potential impact on biodiversity, such as forest establishment, harvesting, and transportation, as identified in our Matrix of Environmental Aspects and Impacts (AIA).

Bracell also has a program to eradicate exotic plant species (species that do not naturally belong to the biome). Through this initiative, we remove species that have negative impacts on the natural dynamics of ecological succession of native vegetation on Company properties. We also have a Disturbed Land Rehabilitation Program in which we restore local native vegetation. To ensure successful recovery in synergy with natural ecological processes, we also incorporate—in addition to conventional planting of native seedlings—techniques such as placing organic material and nucleation, for a more efficient recovery process (learn more in GRI 3-3 Management of the material topic Biodiversity).

In 2023 there were no significant social or environmental impacts from our operations. Bracell seeks to augment the positive effects of its operations and activities while mitigating or minimizing negative impacts.  To achieve this, we:

• Maintain an updated survey of social and environmental aspects and impacts, involving all our operations in order to identify, prevent and address any issues;
• Determine and assess social and environmental impacts before commencing operations;
• Conduct product assessments on risks related to safety, health, and the environment;
• Regularly monitor impacts to measure progress and the need to implement strategic action plans.

Practices as part of our approach to managing risks and preventing potential impacts on biodiversity

• Monitoring changes resulting from forestry operations—annually for fauna and every two years for flora (in our Bahia operations); every three years for fauna and every five years for flora (in our São Paulo operations).
• Fauna monitoring during logging and skidding operations—if any animals remain in the area and are in danger, they are scared off, rescued, or transported to the nearest reserve.
• Planting eucalyptus only in areas previously used for agricultural crops or pastures. Bracell does not convert native forests in accordance with our sustainability policy guidelines, and we have considered deforestation to be conversion of native areas since July 2008, in accordance with Law no. 12,651 (May 25, 2012), the Brazilian Forest Code.
• Monitoring of potential impacts in adjacent areas, such as protected areas and legal reserves—by field employees themselves, via satellite imagery and drones and during fauna and flora monitoring programs. No impacts have been observed so far during biodiversity monitoring, thanks to good forestry practices.
• Not introducing invasive species, pests, and pathogens, and not introducing changes in ecological processes outside the natural range of variation.
• Analyzing water quality in representative management units to monitor for any changes in physical and chemical properties and to determine whether these occurred as a result of forestry operations, aiming to prevent, minimize, and mitigate negative impacts on water bodies.
• Systematically monitoring diesel-powered vehicles and machinery which may cause air pollution, in accordance with applicable regulations.
• Handling and labeling chemicals in accordance with applicable regulations, regulatory standards, and certification standards.
• Identifying activities deemed to have the greatest potential impact on biodiversity, such as forest establishment, harvesting, and transportation, as identified in our Matrix of Environmental Aspects and Impacts (AIA).

Bracell also has a program to eradicate exotic plant species (species that do not naturally belong to the biome). Through this initiative, we remove species that have negative impacts on the natural dynamics of ecological succession of native vegetation on Company properties. We also have a Disturbed Land Rehabilitation Program in which we restore local native vegetation. To ensure successful recovery in synergy with natural ecological processes, we also incorporate—in addition to conventional planting of native seedlings—techniques such as placing organic material and nucleation, for a more efficient recovery process (learn more in GRI 3-3 Management of the material topic Biodiversity).

Assessments of biodiversity risks take account of Bracell’s business model and operations. Controlled wood suppliers have been deemed the most sensitive in terms of ecological impacts as they are not directly controlled by Bracell. In 2023, around 30% of the pulpwood used in our production process derived from controlled wood sources, while 70% were sourced from areas directly managed by Bracell.

All sourced pulpwood undergoes due diligence in which we identify key environmental and social risks in order to eliminate any possibility of sourcing pulpwood from controversial sources. We perform desktop and field assessments and inspections on aspects such as spill containment practices, compliant waste disposal, non-use of burning for clearing, properly proportioned protected areas and legal reserves, among other operational aspects.

Where any nonconformities are identified, an action plan is developed and implemented, and if they persist, the supplier is blocked from further shipments to the plant until the nonconformity is addressed. In addition, landowners commit to comply with the requirements of this and other applicable laws under specific clauses in their contracts with Bracell.

Bracell’s Forest Management System (FMS), implemented as part of our e-Forest project, integrates the end-to-end forestry management process including property registration and forestry services, harvesting, and pulpwood haulage. This system contains georeferenced data on pulpwood suppliers, ensuring 100% of the pulpwood we source from our production process is traceable to both the farm and field level.

All controlled wood also undergoes a time of conversion assessment as part of the procurement process. Bracell has considered deforestation to be conversion of native areas since July 2008, in accordance with the Brazilian Forest Code (Law no. 12,651/2012). In addition, wood suppliers commit to comply with the requirements of this and other applicable laws under specific clauses in their contracts with Bracell.

In 2023, around 30% of the pulpwood used in our production process derived from controlled wood sources, while 70% were sourced from certified land directly managed by Bracell. In 2023, our São Paulo and Bahia mills sourced pulpwood from 87 suppliers. Of these, 100% were audited by the Bracell team.

Bracell does not source pulpwood from controversial sources.