Açu Port Operator Plants Over 130,000 Seedlings in Brazil’s Atlantic Forest Conservation Push

Ferroport, the iron ore terminal operator at Açu Port in São João da Barra, northern Rio de Janeiro, is strengthening its commitment to reforestation efforts in the region. The company has launched a new reforestation project in the Caruara Private Natural Heritage Reserve (RPPN), the largest fragment of the ‘restinga’ broadleaf forest ecosystem in a privately conserved area in Brazil.

Having already completed the reforestation of 208 hectares, Ferroport is now working on restoring an additional 115 hectares of restinga—an area equivalent to roughly 140 football fields or 1.15 million square meters. This initiative reinforces the company’s dedication to preserving this unique ecosystem while expanding the protected area within the reserve.

The reforestation effort will plant more than 70 native species, including angelim (Andira fraxinifolia Benth), embaúba (Cecropia pachystachya Trécul), pitanga (Eugenia uniflora L.), maçaranduba (Manilkara subsericea), pau-ferro (Melanopsidium nigrum Colla), and Moreira (Schinus terebinthifolia Raddi).

This project is part of an environmental commitment between Ferroport—a joint venture of Anglo American and Prumo Logística—and the Rio de Janeiro State Environmental Institute (Inea). Another significant reforestation initiative by Ferroport is underway at the Guaxindiba State Ecological Station in São Francisco de Itabapoana, Rio de Janeiro. This project covers 645.2 hectares and has involved planting over one million native Atlantic Forest seedlings, increasing the forest area by approximately 45%. It has also contributed to connecting forest fragments and protecting water sources and permanent preservation areas.

“These projects underscore Ferroport’s ongoing commitment to adopting environmentally responsible practices, making meaningful contributions to the region’s biodiversity conservation and natural resource protection. This reaffirms our role as a transformative agent in fostering sustainable development,” said Edenilson Sanches, Sustainability Manager at Ferroport.

Daniel Nascimento, Operational Coordinator of the Caruara Reserve, emphasized the broader impact of the new project: “This initiative will be crucial in advancing knowledge on restinga ecosystem restoration and establishing the Caruara Reserve as a leading provider of forest services in the region.”

Planting Progress

The new reforestation area in the Caruara Reserve will see the planting of over 130,000 seedlings, with the project expected to be completed by 2030. As Ferroport marked its tenth year of operations at Porto do Açu in October 2024, the company remains steadfast in its commitment to forest compensation. To date, it has reforested 1,624.05 hectares through its various projects. According to Sanches, these initiatives are “part of a comprehensive strategy to restore ecosystems vital to biodiversity and local communities.”

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