Sowing the fruits of tomorrow today: Samarco encourages environmental preservation and social engagement through initiatives in Minas Gerais and Espírito Santo

Throughout September, as part of the Arbor Day celebrations, the company mobilized employees, neighboring communities, schools, and partners to reflect on the importance of trees.

During the month of September, when Arbor Day is celebrated, Samarco promoted a series of internal and external initiatives, involving employees, neighboring communities, schools, and partners, with the theme: "We sow the fruits of tomorrow today." The campaign invited everyone to reflect on the essential role of trees: purifying the air, regulating the climate, protecting the soil and water resources, and being essential for biodiversity.

At the Mariana (MG), Candonga (MG), Matipó (MG), Ubu (ES), and Muniz Freire (ES) units, employees and contractors participated in mobilizations involving seedling distribution, seed exhibitions, and a video screening about the Rio Doce Basin Seed and Seedling Network – a project that connects forest restoration and social development. The process ranges from the collection, storage, and evaluation of native seeds, to seedling production in local nurseries, and forest restoration in degraded areas.

At the Mariana unit, employees also participated in a tent on the Serra do Gandarela National Park (PARNA), which aimed to strengthen the bond between employees and this important conservation unit. The activities are directly connected to the Conservation Unit Protection Program (PARNA) and aim to expand knowledge about its characteristics, natural attributes, and ecological relevance.

Community participation

Neighboring communities were also key players in the program.

In Antônio Pereira, Santa Rita Durão, Camargos, and Cristal (MG), the interactive tent promoted seedling donations, educational games, workshops, and an exhibition of the planting process developed by CEDASF (Center for Environmental, Social, and Forestry Development).

In Santa Cruz do Escalvado and Rio Doce, also in Minas Gerais, workshops on geopaint and coffee watercolor were held in collaboration with local communities and schools. This educational and artistic activity involves applying natural paints using soil, water, and glue as the base materials.

In Muniz Freire (ES), Antônio Pereira, Santa Rita Durão, Camargos, and Cristal (MG), communities and schools participated in environmentally themed plays about the importance of Arbor Day, followed by seedling distribution, with the goal of encouraging learning and caring for the environment from an early age.

Awareness-raising activities and seedling donations also took place in the communities of Benevente (Anchieta-ES), São Gonçalo (Espera Feliz-MG), and Pacotuba (Cachoeiro do Itapemirim-ES), along the pipeline.

In Ubu (ES), the highlight was the planting of restinga seedlings at Praia do Além, in partnership with students, residents, and the local department, followed by a community snack.

In Mariana (MG), the event took place at Parque Estância do Cruzeiro, in partnership with the Mariana City Hall and other institutions. In addition to the interactive tent, children participated in a play. A symbolic planting of ipê trees was also held, with the participation of Mariana's mayor, Juliano Duarte, and representatives of the Mariana Department of the Environment (SEMMADS).

In total, nine days of activities were held at the company's facilities, reaching more than 8,000 employees. The initiatives with neighboring communities totaled 29 activities, with the participation of over 2,000 people.

"The initiatives carried out demonstrate how possible it is to combine environmental awareness, social engagement, and education under a single purpose. The reach we achieved within the company and with neighboring communities reinforces that we are on the right path, cultivating values that go far beyond a commemorative date and planting seeds for a more sustainable future," emphasized João Batista Soares Filho, Samarco's General Manager of Environment.

To close out the month, Samarco also participated in the Sustainable Connection fair, held in Anchieta on September 25th and 26th. At its booth, the company addressed topics such as biodiversity and forest offsets, in addition to hosting a question-and-answer game.

Credits: Patrícia Xavier