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.

 

We identify and monitor High Conservation Value (HCV) areas through assessments on biological, ecological, social or cultural attributes. We have currently identified two HCV areas in the state of São Paulo and six in Bahia. As our forestry activities expand, we are working to update our maps of potential HCV areas using the criteria established by Proforest.

High Conservation Value Areas

In the state of São Paulo:

• Fazenda Nova América (117.74 hectares – HCV 1): this area has a high concentration of biological diversity, including globally, regionally or nationally significant species, such as Brazilian sassafras (Ocotea odorifera), among flora species, and South American foxes (Lycalopex vetulus), among fauna species.
• Fazenda Rio Verde (190.40 hectares – HCV 2): this is the largest fragment of Cerradão in Brazil, with a radius of 2km. It has been deemed to have HCV on the basis of its intact forest landscapes and large landscape-level ecosystems and ecosystem mosaics that are significant at global, regional or national levels, and that contain viable populations of the great majority of the naturally occurring species in natural patterns of distribution and abundance.

In the state of Bahia:

• Fazenda Santo André (229.83 hectares – HCV 1 and 3): this is an area of Cerrado with unique biodiversity at the intersection between Caatinga and Atlantic Forest. It includes a large expanse of vegetation and has been rated as HCV due to its significant concentration of biodiversity values. Species identified within the area include Andira humilis and Saltatricula atricollis, which are endemic to the Cerrado. In addition, a significant number of feline species have been identified, such as the eastern tigrina (Leopardus emiliae), jaguarundi (Herpailurus yagouaroundi), ocelot (Leopardus pardalis) and a large abundance of kunths (Bowdichia virgilioides).
• Fazenda Jaboticaba (197.05 hectares – HCV 1 and 3): this is one of Bracell’s smallest reserves, with 198 hectares of Atlantic Forest formations. It harbors a complex ecosystem with dense broadleaf forests and restinga, as well as a well-preserved fragment of muçununga. This area harbors species that are bioindicators of environmental quality, such as Turk’s cap cactus (Melocactus violaceus), white-winged cotinga (Xipholena atropurpurea), Coimbra Filho’s titi (Callicebus coimbrai) and centrolenid frog (Vitreorana baliomma).
• Lontra RPPN (1,378.16 hectares – HCV 1, 2 and 3): the largest private reserve along the north coast of Bahia. This ancient remnant of ombrophilous forest hosts a vast array of biodiversity and is the area with the highest herpetological and ornithological diversity monitored by Bracell in Bahia. Among the species found are the bearded capuchin (Sapajus libidinosus), Rio rocket frog (Allobates olfercioides), papa-taoca-da-bahia (Peryglena atrla) and assai palm (Euterpes edulis). The only known sightings of Southern American bushmasters (Lachesis muta) along the northern coast of Bahia were within the Lontra reserve.
• Fazenda Raiz (675.77 hectares – HCV 1 and 3): an area of Caatinga within the Agreste region of Bahia. Fazenda Raiz harbors a significant diversity of animal and plant species that are typical of this biome. These include a substantial population of eastern tigrina (Leopardus emiliae), the only feline species that is endemic to Brazil.

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).

Bracell sets aside more than 35% of its forestry land for preserving native vegetation. Protected area proportions are consistent with requirements under the Brazilian Forest Code (Law 12,651/2012). Land disturbed prior to July 2008 is covered by rehabilitation plans.

Since 2015, Bracell has maintained a Disturbed Land Rehabilitation Program in Bahia, using a methodology approved by the state environmental authority, INEMA. Native vegetation areas are restored by planting seedlings, improving soil quality and preventing erosion.

In Bahia, Bracell uses a three-stage rehabilitation approach:

• Assessment: technicians visit the area to be rehabilitated to survey the soil and existing native vegetation in the direct and indirect area of influence; determine the most suitable rehabilitation methods; and plan restoration activities;
• Execution: rehabilitation activities may include re-contouring, placement of containment stakes or bagged soil for slope stabilization, tillage, placement of organic material, removal of dead branches, installation of perches, fertilization, ant control and planting native species (using 4 x 4, nucleation or enrichment planting techniques); and
• Maintenance and monitoring: over the course of three years, rehabilitated areas are monitored and actions are implemented to enhance the development of the newly established vegetation, such as pruning, ant control, and enrichment planting.

In 2023, more than 60 hectares underwent active restoration, and more than 450 hectares were controlled for exotic invasive species in our Bahia forestry operations. In 2024, we plan to implement robust strategies for restoring organic soil horizons, develop partnerships to enhance forest rehabilitation outcomes, and create more effective methods for monitoring natural regeneration.

In our São Paulo operations, Bracell’s Disturbed Land Rehabilitation Program restored 188 ha in 2023. Program progress is tracked via reports that, where applicable, are submitted to the environmental authorities. Our target for 2024 is to restore an additional 393 ha in protected areas.

A Bracell initiative in partnership with Fundação SOS Mata Atlântica—a Brazilian environmental foundation—planted trees from the Atlantic Forest biome in land of the company’s partners in the towns of Botucatu, Agudos and Piratininga. Through the Foundation’s Forests of the Future Program, Bracell began restoring riparian forests, thereby helping safeguard the water resources flowing out of springs in the areas covered. The endeavor began in 2022 and the planting phase was completed in 2023.

A total of 61,975 seedlings were planted in the municipality of Botucatu, 10,025 in Agudos and 5,000 in Piratininga, totaling 77,000 Atlantic Forest trees planted. This forest is the most ravaged biome in Brazil and considered one of the 10 flagship ecosystems for forest restoration in the world by the Decade on Ecosystem Restoration.

Environmental monitoring

All information on land use on Bracell properties is geo-referenced, including protected areas, legal reserves and other areas of native vegetation set aside for conservation. Information about eucalyptus plantations, infrastructure and water resources, as well as on areas of significant cultural and social value, is included in the georeferenced data.

Forest areas are monitored using satellite imagery and drones to assess the development of planted forests and identify any incidents such as deforestation or fires. The monitoring system detects the geometry of the properties, performs detailed 3D inventories which reveal possible plantation gaps, maps areas that are hard to access, and identifies potential risks and impacts requiring immediate action.

We also have a Biodiversity Monitoring Program for managing information on identified species, trophic levels and degree of conservation in the areas where we operate. Periodically, specialized teams monitor the fauna and flora in fragments of Atlantic Forest, Cerrado and Caatinga vegetation. This data informs the selection of optimal forest management practices that help to augment the positive effects of reforestation initiatives and minimize negative impacts related to our forestry operations.

Fire prevention and response

One of the most significant risks in our protected areas is forest fires. To mitigate this risk, we create and maintain fire breaks, donate firefighting equipment to local communities, install warning signs and organize fire response workshops for neighbors and members of local communities.

Bracell’s Fire Prevention and Response department has been created with a mission to preserve the environment, the well-being of people and the planet, and the sustainability and competitiveness of the business. Bracell has 37 fire monitoring towers equipped with high-resolution cameras covering 85% of our properties in São Paulo and 61% in Bahia, including both planted forests and protected areas.

Fire responders are divided into two groups: a Rapid Response Group (RRG) and an Identification and Containment Group (ICG). At the beginning of the dry season each year, we publish maps showing water withdrawal locations that are accessible to light and heavy fire trucks. Water withdrawal locations are strategically located to optimize refilling time and the fire response. During the dry season, internal and external fire breaks are kept especially clean, particularly those surrounding critical areas.

We have also signed a technical cooperation agreement with the Bahia State Environment Department (SEMA) and the State Water Resource Institute (INEMA) to plan and implement forest fire prevention and reduction initiatives.

In 2023, the amount of area affected by forest fires increased compared to 2022, primarily as a result of adverse weather. During the year there was a significant number of days with temperatures higher than 30°C, wind speeds higher than 30 km/h, and relative humidity lower than 30%—a combination often referred to as the ”triple 30” factor. Although the number of incidents did not increase significantly, the fires spread faster and affected a larger area. None of the forest fires started as a result of Bracell’s operations. All fires were either arson, naturally caused or the result of unsafe practices by third parties.

In 2023, 352 fire spots were registered. The impacted areas of native vegetation are now part of the Degraded Areas Recovery Program

Learn more about our initiatives and commitments to protect biodiversity and habitats in the areas where we operate in GRI 3-3.

Species identified during biodiversity monitoring are classified based on official protection lists, local laws and regulations, and scientific literature on degrees of threat, rareness, endemicity, economic importance, species migration, and other parameters. Species’ conservation status is classified at the international (International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)), national (ICMBio – Red Book of Brazilian Threatened Fauna 2018 and MMA Ordinance No. 148/2022), and state levels.

São Paulo
	2021		2022		2023
Category	IUCN	ICMBio	IUCN	ICMBio	IUCN	ICMBio
Critically endangered	0	0	0	0	0	0
Endangered	3	3	9	5	9	5
Vulnerable	6	13	8	8	9	8
Near threatened	11	0	12	0	12	–
Least concern	0	0	0	0	625	–
Note: For the “Near Threatened” and “Least Concern” categories on the ICMBio list, only threatened species are listed in the relevant legislation and not other species as in the IUCN Red List.

 

Bahia
	2021		2022		2023
Category	IUCN	ICMBio	IUCN	ICMBio	IUCN	ICMBio
Critically endangered	0	0	7	0	1	2
Endangered	5	6	7	5	6	10
Vulnerable	19	12	13	15	11	13
Near threatened	4	11	7	2	7	2
Least concern	0	0	252	250	252	250

Note: For the “Near Threatened” and “Least Concern” categories on the ICMBio list, only threatened species are listed in the relevant legislation and not other species as in the IUCN Red List.