Santa Catarina, November 22, 2021 – Klabin, globally recognized for its sustainability initiatives, has obtained FSC® Certifications for Conserving Biodiversity (ES1), Carbon Sequestration and Storage (ES2) and Services in Watersheds (ES3), after an audit conducted by the Institute of Forest and Agricultural Management and Certification (Imaflora) at the Fazenda das Nascentes in the Serra da Farofa Complex, a Natural Heritage Private Reserve (RPPN) located in Santa Catarina. It thus becomes the first company in Brazil to simultaneously obtain the three seals.  

To obtain the certifications, Klabin undertook commitments on three different fronts, which included diagnosing, monitoring and maintaining biodiversity in the region, protecting the areas from illegal fishing and hunting, maintaining carbon sequestration and storage in native areas, protecting against deforestation and fires, maintaining the quality and availability of water resources, and constantly enhancing its knowledge of subjects involving the three ecosystem services. 

“Being recognized for these services shows the company’s commitment to the issues and, apart from the highly positive environmental aspect, it can attract new investments amid the current scenario, which increasingly seeks alternatives for sustainable production combined with mitigating the effects of climate change,” Ellen Keyti Cavalheri, forest certification coordinator at Imaflora.

Fazenda das Nascentes is part of the properties acquired by Klabin in 2006 to conserve biodiversity and protect water resources in the Serra Catarinense region. Located in the Atlantic Forest biome on the border of Painel, Urupema, Rio Rufino and Bocaina do Sul in a strategic preservation area, the farm enables expansion of the region’s ecological corridor, thanks to its proximity to the São Joaquim National Park and the Serra do Tabuleiro State Park – two of the state’s main conservation units. 

“Recognition of the existing Ecosystem Services in our area underlines the importance of good forest management for environmental conservation. We are proud of this achievement, which reflects the efforts in our journey towards the sustainable development of our activities,” said Júlio Nogueira, Sustainability and Environment manager at Klabin. 

Historically, Klabin has been a pioneer in obtaining FSC certifications in partnership with Imaflora. It was the first pulp and paper company in the Southern Hemisphere to receive the certification, which attests to responsible forest management. It was also the world’s first company whose non-wood forest products were certified by the agency, assuring the origin of the raw material used in its products. Currently, 100% of Klabin’s forests are certified by FSC, which considers practices related to respect for natural resources, locations and well-being of workers.

“More than just a green seal, FSC is an economic tool for sustainable development,” said Daniela Vilela, executive director of FSC Brasil. “Now, more than ever, we must understand the relation between our activities and conservation – or not – of the environment. Responsible forest management is, without doubt, one of the main tools in combating not only deforestation, but also climate change,” she added. “Achievements like this by Klabin, besides facilitating access to investments, are very important to give prominence to these issues.”

A Natural Heritage Private Reserve (RPPN) is a permanent conservation unit set up in private areas to help preserve native forests and maintain biodiversity. Serra da Farofa Complex is Klabin's biggest RPPN and the third largest in southern Brazil, according to the National RPPN Confederation, spanning almost 5,000 hectares of remaining areas of the ​​Atlantic Forest, araucaria forests and highlands, and home to the headwaters of the Caveiras and Canoas rivers. 

More than 570 species of flora and 357 species of fauna have been officially identified in the region, including many classified as endemic, rare and included in official endangered species lists. Underscoring its efforts dedicated to scientific research, managing natural resources and maintaining the climate and ecological balance, Klabin inaugurated the Nature Interpretation Center (CINAT) in 2019. Located at Fazenda das Nascentes in the administration zone of the Serra da Farofa Complex RPPN, the center is designed to receive 40 visitors at its facilities, which include bedrooms, cafeteria and an auditorium, thus contributing to studies and projects conducted by researchers. 

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