With a shared focus on environmental conservation, the partners attracted about 80 people interested in learning about the program

Santa Catarina, September 9, 2024 - Klabin and the Association for Preservation of the Environment and Life (Apremavi) conducted the Matas Legais Seminar this Thursday (29) to showcase the activities carried out through the program, which is nearing its 20th anniversary and focuses on the restoration of native forests. The event gathered about 80 people at the City Council of Otacílio Costa, including rural producers, beekeepers, environmentalists, and local leaders.

Throughout the afternoon, the participants had the opportunity to ask questions about property and landscape planning, as well as certifications for wood and non-timber products like honey. The event started with an opening address by Klabin, emphasizing its commitment to sustainability through social and environmental projects focused on community development. Subsequently, the partnership with Apremavi through the Matas Legais Program was covered, presenting the program's education and environmental conservation projects. Klabin's Environmental Responsibility coordinator, Mireli Pitz, emphasized the importance of the meetings, which enable the exchange of experiences and provide information in a transparent and direct manner. "By bringing together rural producers and environmental professionals to present sustainability initiatives like the Matas Legais and Forest Certification Programs, which promote the sustainable development of the region, the event fosters a collaborative environment that facilitates the resolution of various issues that may arise in the day-to-day management of sustainable forestry," she said.

Apremavi took part in the meeting, showcasing the initiatives and support provided by the Matas Legais program in promoting environmental compliance. Leandro Casanova, project coordinator of Apremavi, emphasized the importance of restoring permanent preservation areas connected to water resources, rivers, and watersheds located on the properties of Matas Legais partners. "The planning of planting exotic species, while safeguarding and respecting watercourses, contributes to legal environmental compliance, enhances biodiversity, and boosts conservation efforts in the region where Klabin operates," she noted, adding that the program has already supported over 400 rural properties, distributed more than one million native seedlings to landowners, and offered a variety of environmental education initiatives.

Sumatra Inteligência Ambiental, a consulting firm specializing in forest certification and wildlife management in natural environments, also participated in the seminar. It presented references on forest certification, including the criteria required for obtaining it for properties of various sizes. The representative of the consulting firm also spoke about the possibility of partnerships for the production of honey on Klabin's properties, in order to stimulate the activity of beekeepers in the region of Santa Catarina.

Legal Forests - The Legal Forests program, established through a partnership between Apremavi and Klabin since April 2005, aims to promote environmental conservation and sustainable development in the regions of Santa Catarina and Paraná. The purpose is to preserve and recover native forest remnants, improve local quality of life, and optimize forest management through integrated planning of properties and landscapes. The initiative encompasses actions such as conserving permanent preservation areas, practicing silviculture with native and exotic species, implementing agroforestry systems, and promoting organic agriculture and ecotourism.

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