First stage of the Andorinhas em Movimento Project in Ouro Preto revitalizes 12 kilometers of trails at the Andorinhas Municipal Natural Park

Samarco-sponsored initiative revitalized paths, improved visitor infrastructure, and strengthened environmental preservation at the Andorinhas Municipal Natural Park

After four months of work, the Andorinhas em Movimento project completed the first stage of restructuring the trails at the Andorinhas Municipal Natural Park, in Ouro Preto (MG). The initiative, announced in February of this year, was carried out by Instituto Vórtice Sustentável (IVOS), in partnership with the Municipal Government of Ouro Preto and the Fundação Gorceix, the park's manager, with sponsorship from Samarco.

In total, 12 kilometers of trails were restored through sustainable management and clearing activities. Eight critical erosion spots received drainage correction, and seven wooden and metal bridges and structures were recovered, reinforcing visitor safety and the preservation of local ecosystems.

The project also included the restructuring of three entrance portals for the Baú, Vermelhão, and XCO trails, and the installation of 48 informative, interpretative, and educational signs.

"The space is revitalized, and the outlook is excellent. They did a lot of work, and they did it well. This result was only possible through the union of a collective formed by the public authorities, Fundação Gorceix, Instituto Vórtice Sustentável, private supporters, and the community itself", highlights Guilherme Louzada, from Samarco's Institutional Relations management.

For the vice-mayor of Ouro Preto, Regina Braga, the project delivery reinforces the importance of partnerships for the park's preservation. “Our park, nature tourism, and sports activities benefit from this initiative. The Municipal Government cannot do it alone, and having partners like Instituto Vórtice Sustentável is essential. This park is a natural heritage of Ouro Preto, and it has become even more beautiful, fully complying with the technical standard of the Brazilian Trails Network", she states.

With the trails signposted and structured, the park remains available for hiking, running, mountain biking, and other outdoor activities. The next stages of the project provide for the training of youth, community residents, and environmental guides, with Instituto Vórtice Sustentável continuing the fundraising process to make these actions viable.