Bracell has been running a forest restoration program in São Paulo since 2021, which was updated in 2023 to accelerate and expand ecological recovery. In partnership with third parties, we protect and restore habitats based on environmental analyses and recommended restoration methods.

All activities follow regulations such as IBAMA’s Normative Instruction No. 04 and the São Paulo State environmental regulator’s (CETESB) SMA Resolution. The methods include inducing natural regeneration, clearing, ring weeding, herbicide application, and enrichment planting with native seedlings.

Since 2015, Bracell also runs a Disturbed Land Restoration Program in Bahia, approved by state environmental regulator, INEMA, using planting, soil improvement, and erosion control techniques. The Bahia program includes site assessments, implementation, and monitoring over three years.

In 2024, 1.821 hectares in Bahia underwent active restoration, and 450 hectares were treated for invasive exotic species. In São Paulo, 393 hectares are currently undergoing restoration. Through a partnership with SOS Mata Atlântica,  77,000 seedlings were planted in Botucatu, Agudos, and Piratininga (SP), helping restore riparian forests and protect water resources.

Of the 393 hectares being restored in São Paulo, 0.7 hectares have already been restored and officially certified by CETESB. Additionally, 30 hectares restored by SOS Mata Atlântica have met legal criteria and are considered restored, though formal certification from the environmental authority is expected in 2025.

All restoration areas—whether required by law or part of voluntary programs—are monitored pursuant to SMA Resolution 32 to ensure all environmental criteria are met.

Monitoring is done via satellite imagery and drones to identify threats and gaps in planting. Bracell’s Biodiversity Monitoring Program tracks fauna and flora across the Atlantic Forest, Cerrado, and Caatinga biomes to support responsible forest management practices.

Areas protected or restored

Areas protected and restored in Bahia

Area	Status	Region	Size (km2)	Status
RPPN Lontra	Protected	Bahia	13.77	Under long-term monitoring
Falcão	Protected	Bahia	94.24	Under long-term monitoring
Lua Alta	Protected	Bahia	60.94	Under long-term monitoring
Pedra do São José II	Protected	Bahia	23.22	Under long-term monitoring
Total – Bahia			192.17

    

Areas protected and restored in São Paulo

Area	Status	Region	Size (km2)	Status
Casa da Rocha	Restored	São Paulo	0.24	In progress
Nova América II	Restored	São Paulo	0.001	In progress
Recreio	Restored	São Paulo	0.31	In progress
Santa Izabel	Restored	São Paulo	0.02	In progress
São Benedito IV	Restored	São Paulo	0.24	In progress
Sossego II	Restored	São Paulo	0.52	In progress
Paraíso VII	Restored	São Paulo	0.16	In progress
Santa Mariana II	Restored	São Paulo	0.0001	In progress
Nova América II	Restored	São Paulo	0.29	In progress
Córrego do Campo	Restored	São Paulo	0.23	In progress
Monte Líbano I	Restored	São Paulo	1.09	Under long-term monitoring
Monte Líbano II	Restored	São Paulo	0.35	Under long-term monitoring
Santa Izabel	Restored	São Paulo	0.01	Under long-term monitoring
Dona Lourdes	Restored	São Paulo	0.01	Under long-term monitoring
Mamedina	Restored	São Paulo	0.03	Under long-term monitoring
São Luiz V Vera Cruz	Restored	São Paulo	0.24	Under long-term monitoring
Arataba	Restored	São Paulo	0.05	Under long-term monitoring
Regina	Restored	São Paulo	0.03	Under long-term monitoring
São Benedito IV	Restored	São Paulo	0.02	Under long-term monitoring
Selva	Restored	São Paulo	0.04	Under long-term monitoring
Corvo Branco	Restored	São Paulo	0.004	Under long-term monitoring
Revolta	Restored	São Paulo	0.04	Under long-term monitoring
Santa Branca	Restored	São Paulo	0.01	Under long-term monitoring
Total – São Paulo			3.8851

Partner-protected or restored areas

Partner-protected or restored areas

Department	Partner organization	Status	Region	Size (km2)	Status
Riacho Mole Project	SOS Mata Atlântica	Restored	Bahia	0.3	In progress
Riacho Mole Project	SOS Mata Atlântica	Restored	Bahia	0.2	In progress
Santa Rita II, Santa Cruz and Nova América II	SOS Mata Atlântica	Restored	São Paulo	30.8	In progress
Shangrilá	Bracell and Jardim Botânico	Restored	São Paulo	4.5	In progress

Fire prevention and response

In protected areas, wildfires represent one of the main risks to biodiversity and the integrity of protected ecosystems. 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 39 fire monitoring towers equipped with high-resolution cameras covering 76% of our properties in São Paulo and 70% 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.