Funded by Samarco, the initiative strengthened youth leadership in 33 municipalities in the state of Minas Gerais and invested more than 10.5 million BRL in training and socio-environmental projects

The Pulsar Jovem pelo Rio Doce project concluded its cycle of activities after certifying 1,000 young people and supporting the implementation of 112 socioenvironmental projects in 33 municipalities in Minas Gerais. Funded by Samarco and developed as part of the restoration efforts under the New Rio Doce Agreement, the initiative received an investment of 10.5 million BRL, attracted more than 2,300 applications, and promoted the development of youth leaders in the Alto Rio Doce, Calha, and Médio Rio Doce regions.

The program offered a 300-hour training course focused on social and environmental issues, citizenship, and civil protection, preparing participants to develop and implement solutions to challenges identified in their own communities. To ensure that young people remain in the program and stay engaged, approximately 7.1 million BRL were allocated in direct financial support. 3.4 million BRL more were invested in the implementation of the projects conceived and continued by the participants.

“The projects developed by the young people moved beyond the drawing board and produced tangible results in the municipalities, ranging from environmental actions to community mobilization initiatives. The main legacy of Pulsar Jovem is the development of leaders who stay connected to their communities and contribute to local development”, said Fernanda Bartoli, Samarco’s General Manager of Remediation and Integrated Management.

According to Ana Marta Inez, the project coordinator for the Geraldo Perlingeiro Abreu Foundation (FGPA), which carried out the project as part of the initiatives funded by Samarco, the positive changes were noticeable from the very outset of the program.

“Much more than just a project for young people, it was a project developed by the young people themselves, who had enriching experiences and showed that they are capable of changing the world together. Thanks to the educators’ expertise and dedication, these young people embarked on a journey of learning and active participation. From the very beginning, they were treated as leaders, which brought about changes in their behavior, whether in the way they communicated or in the mature decisions they had to make”, the coordinator noted.

Results along the Rio Doce Basin

In municipalities such as Mariana and Ponte Nova, the project spurred the creation of external mobilization networks aimed at enhancing the value of the region. In Mariana, classes led the execution of projects such as "Sementes da Juventude” (Seeds of Youth), "ECOHIP - Sustentabilidade através do Hip-Hop” (Sustainability through Hip-Hop), "Coletores Ecológicos”  (Ecological Collectors), "Florescer da Juventude” (The Bloom of Youth), "ECOeduca Mariana”, and "Corpo, Memória e Território Verde"  (Body, Memory, and Green Territory), participating directly in environmental education, waste management, and community mobilization initiatives.

Another highlight was the “Vozes do Rio Doce” (Voices of the Rio Doce) integrative seminar, held in Ipatinga, which brought together more than 600 participants for discussions on sustainability, territorial belonging, and the future of the Rio Doce Basin.

Territorial development and ecotourism: EcoArte Jacroá (Marliéria)

Developed in the municipality of Marliéria, the “EcoArte Jacroá” project focused on environmental preservation combined with the promotion of regional identity and heritage. Young people led efforts to revitalize the historic Pico do Jacroá lookout point, a major tourist attraction located within the catchment area of the Rio Doce State Park.

The initiative combined structural improvements, cultural activities, and initiatives to promote sustainable tourism, fostering local community engagement and highlighting one of the region’s most important natural heritage sites.

Water resources management: Águas Vivas Project (Dionísio)

In Dionísio, the “Águas Vivas” (Living Waters) project focused on preservation and the sustainable use of water resources. Participants mapped out local water-related needs and organized environmental education activities for students and residents of the municipality.

These activities are designed to raise awareness about the importance of conserving springs, managing watersheds, and using water responsibly.

Remediation under the New Rio Doce Agreement

The promotion of local projects and the training of new leaders through Pulsar Jovem is part of the socioeconomic initiatives related to “Youth Leadership Development”, carried out in the areas affected by the Fundão dam breach.

Focused on sustainability, social development, and the promotion of local capabilities, the initiatives and programs of this metal’s division have already totaled more than 198 million BRL in investments throughout the Rio Doce Basin.

For more information on remediation actions, visit https://www.samarco.com/reparacao/