Suzano, a global benchmark in the manufacture of bioproducts developed from cultivated eucalyptus, has been implementing the Indigenous Relationship Program in Maranhão, which brings together indigenous communities and groups in the state through the Coordination of Organizations and Engagement of Indigenous Peoples of Maranhão (COAPIMA). The initiative aims to help conserve natural resources and improve the living conditions of indigenous communities by enhancing and expanding sustainable agricultural practices, supporting indigenous firefighting teams and strengthening local organizations.
The program (a consistent partnership to address social and environmental issues) has a participatory approach, involving local leaders in its execution, monitoring and evaluation, aiming to improve the process of managing natural resources and fostering sustainable agricultural activities in indigenous lands in the state of Maranhão. With several activities already planned, the initiative relies on the experience, knowledge and structure of partnering organizations (the Brazilian Indigenous Peoples Foundation/FUNAI, PREVFOGO/IBAMA and COAPIMA), which work in an articulated and complementary manner. This approach engages families in all processes related to the project, empowering and giving them autonomy to prevent and fight fires within indigenous territories, to protect their way of life and biodiversity.
Initiatives supported by Suzano – Since 2022, Suzano has provided resources to nine indigenous teams in the state to maintain infrastructure and support operational logistics, including the purchase of personal protective equipment, complete kitchen kits, computers, screen projectors, printers, power generators and other items that are necessary to set up fire stations. These teams operate in all indigenous territories within Maranhão (Araribóia, Caru, Governador, Krikati and Porquinhos), through the PREVFOGO/IBAMA Federal Brigade Program, in technical cooperation with FUNAI, as part of Technical Cooperation Agreement 15/19.
Indigenous firefighting teams have been formed to prevent and fight fires in indigenous territories. In addition, they work in the recovery of areas burned by fire and in seedling production nurseries, where they collect native seeds that are passed on to the communities and planted in ecological restoration areas.
“This type of investment aims to support a key activity within indigenous territories in Maranhão, to enhance the structure of firefighting teams. This collaboration reinforces Suzano’s commitment to sustainability and environmental protection, while also helping strengthen the indigenous communities in the state. The company will continue to work with COAPIMA and invest in organized action to support the conservation of the environment and the way of life of indigenous communities,” said André Becher, Social Development coordinator at Suzano’s Imperatriz site.
About Suzano
Suzano is the world’s largest pulp producer, one of the largest paper producers in Latin America and a benchmark for the development of sustainable and innovative solutions from renewable sources. The company’s products, which are part of the lives of more than 2 billion people in more than 100 countries, include pulp, printing and writing paper, paper straws and cups, paper packaging, sanitary pads and toilet paper, among others. Suzano is guided by its purpose of “Renewing life inspired by trees.” The company pursues sustainability through innovation to address the challenges faced by society. With 99 years of history, the company has shares listed on stock exchanges in Brazil (SUZB3) and the United States (SUZ).