context

The territory in which Suzano operates is very diverse, both in terms of environmental issues and political and socio-cultural aspects, which requires, in the latter case, a transparent and participatory relationship management model with local communities, Indigenous and traditional peoples. In this sense, the relationship with Indigenous and traditional communities located in the areas of influence of the company's operations is conducted in a culturally appropriate, permanent manner based on trust and mutual respect of rights and interests, according to our Corporate Human Rights Policy and the following principles established by the Corporate Policy for Relations with Indigenous Peoples and Traditional Communities:

  • Recognition, appreciation, and respect for the socio-environmental and cultural diversity of Indigenous peoples and traditional communities, considering the set of values that make up their customary law;
  • Recognition and respect for their beliefs, uses, customs, languages, traditions, social and political organization, ensuring the preservation of cultural rights, the practice of community customs, cultural memory, and racial and ethnic identity;
  • Socio-environmental responsibility concerning peoples and territories, considering Indigenous, quilombola, and other traditional communities in the decision-making processes and operational areas, adopting a comprehensive approach by systematically and periodically mapping these communities within Suzano’s areas of influence; 
  • Recognition and respect for the legal and customary rights of ownership, use, and management of lands, territories, and natural resources; 
  • Full promotion of the socio-economic and cultural rights of Indigenous peoples and traditional communities;
  • Encourage free, prior, and informed consultation and consent (FPIC) processes for Indigenous peoples, quilombola communities, and other traditional communities. Ensure these processes are conducted by the competent authorities or in collaboration with them and the communities, respecting the specificities of Suzano’s business, according to Convention 169 of the International Labor Organization (ILO).

To ensure culturally appropriate engagement and maintain an ongoing, transparent, and mutually beneficial relationship, the following guidelines must be considered:

  • Establish a culturally appropriate dialogue, respecting the specificities of Indigenous and traditional communities by providing information in advance, freely, and in good faith. It is crucial to appreciate the traditional decision-making forms and practices of these communities;
  • Use culturally appropriate communication tools for the continuous dissemination of information, adopting accessible language and formats that respect the particularities and social and political organization of each community;
  • Size up deadlines with communities to ensure that their internal processes of understanding and discussion are respected;
  • Engage and promote, whenever possible, the participation of community members and their organizations, as well as governmental and non-governmental institutions that represent the rights and interests of Indigenous peoples and traditional communities;
  • Appoint experienced and qualified professionals to work on the rights and specific socio-cultural and political aspects of Indigenous peoples and traditional communities. This includes promoting the continuous improvement of direct contracted employees and third parties involved with Indigenous and traditional communities through periodic training, especially in good practices in dealing with and approaching these communities;
  • Establish mechanisms for receiving and managing specific claims, complaints, and accusations related to Indigenous and traditional issues, as well as managing conflicts in relations with communities;
  • Establish mechanisms for consultation and engagement with Indigenous and traditional communities in the processes of identifying and assessing socio-economic and environmental aspects and impacts, as well as defining measures for preventing, mitigating, repairing, and remedying adverse effects and enhancing beneficial ones,
  • Promote transparency in relationship processes with Indigenous and traditional communities, respecting the consent of these communities by periodically disclosing the results achieved.

Suzano's socio-environmental investments in Indigenous and traditional communities must be aligned with the company's Corporate Policy on Socio-Environmental Investments and Donations, following these specific guidelines:

  • Ensure that the socio-environmental investments to be developed, in a participatory manner, are aligned with the best practices of ethno-development, respecting and strengthening the traditional way of life, natural aptitude, and development priorities of Indigenous and traditional communities;
  • Make investments that promote sociocultural, environmental, and economic sustainability and improve the quality of life of the Indigenous and traditional communities with which the company has relations;
  • Promote, whenever possible, development projects that strengthen sustainable territorial management aimed at protecting, recovering, conserving, and using indigenous and traditional lands and their natural resources, provided that this is legally feasible. Projects should include shared management and decision-making processes, defining the company's responsibilities and counterparts with the communities and organizations involved;
  • Encourage, whenever possible, the participation of government institutions, non-governmental organizations, and representatives of Indigenous and traditional communities (at local, regional, and national levels) in the planning and execution of projects;
  • Support initiatives that strengthen and value traditional culture, promote quality education, contribute to job and income generation, and encourage partnerships and projects that consider the entrepreneurship of these communities and their social, cultural, spatial, territorial, and economic specificities.

 

Indigenous peoples

Suzano maintains an active, transparent, and culturally appropriate dialogue with Indigenous peoples in its operational areas. This engagement forms the cornerstone of all initiatives the company develops in collaboration with the intervener. To facilitate this, Suzano conducts regular, systematic visits and meetings within Indigenous communities and occasional meetings upon request. These interactions may occur individually or collectively through community movements or councils, ensuring the dissemination of information regarding the company’s actions and projects.

It should be noted that this process is conducted on an ongoing basis, taking into account the social dynamics and unique characteristics of the communities, particularly in a context marked by frequent changes in actors and leaders, internal community divisions, and territorial issues. Through dialogue, an ethical and transparent relationship is established between Suzano and the communities. This approach fosters a deeper understanding of the outcomes achieved, enabling the identification of genuine demands, strengthening engagement and relationships, and supporting the management of both potential and actual impacts arising from the company’s operations.

Below is a list of indigenous communities in Suzano's area of operation.

Bahia Unit

Pataxó ethnic group

  • Águas Belas Community[GF1] 
  • Alegria Nova Community
  • Cahy Community
  • Canto da Mata Community
  • Corumbauzinho Community
  • Craveiro Community
  • Dois Irmãos Community
  • Gurita Community
  • Monte Dourado Community
  • Mucugê Community
  • Pequi Community
  • Tawa Community
  • Tibá Community
  • Trevo do Parque I and II Community

Pataxó ethnic group hã hã hãe

  • Renascer Community (hã hã hãe)

 

Espírito Santo Unit

Guarani ethnic group

  • 3 Palmeiras Community
  • Boa Esperança Community
  • Nova Esperança Community
  • Olho d'Água Community
  • Piraquê-Açu Community

Tupiniquim ethnic group

  • Amarelos Community
  • Areal Community
  • Pau Brasil Community
  • Caieira Velha Community
  • Comboios Community
  • Córrego do Ouro Community
  • Irajá Community

 

Maranhão Unit

Apinajé ethnic group

  • Apinajé Indigenous Land

Fulni-ô ethnic group

  • Fulni-ô Indigenous Land

Gavião ethnic group

  • Mãe Maria Indigenous Land

Guajajara ethnic group

  • Arariboia Indigenous Land

Krikati ethnic group

  • Krikati Indigenous Land

 

Mato Grosso do Sul Unit

 

Ofaié Xavante ethnic group

 

  • Ofaié Xavante Community


São Paulo Unit

Guarani ethnic group

  • Nimuendaju Community
  • Tereguá Community

Terena ethnic group

  • Kopenoti Community
  • Ekeruá Community

 

2024 Highlights - Indigenous peoples

  • Continuation of the structured actions of the Relationship Program with Indigenous peoples of the Maranhão forestry business unit (UNF) in a continuous relationship, protection of territory, and ethnodevelopment
  • Support for firefighting brigades in Maranhão's Indigenous territories (Arariboia, Caru, Governador, Krikati, and Porquinhos) 
  • Relations with leaders of the Apinajé Indigenous Land - Tocantins: Promoting ethnodevelopment by strengthening areas for bee cultivation.
  • Encouraging a social sports project developed over 30 years ago in the Kopenoty community in Avaí (SP): The first Indigenous Athlete Training Center in the state of São Paulo, with the donation of sports equipment for the second year running. This project serves around 60 children and young people between 10 and 17.
  • An ongoing relationship with Indigenous leaders from the Coordination of Organizations and Articulations of the Indigenous Peoples of Maranhão (Coapima) and the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples through participation in cultural and strategic events.
  • Investment of more than BRL 1 million in handicraft, meliponiculture, agriculture, infrastructure, marketing (Coopyguá), and cultural initiatives in Indigenous communities in Aracruz
  • Expansion of investment in cultural strengthening actions in Indigenous communities through support for the Traditional Indigenous Games of Espírito Santo, the Indigenous Amateur Football Championship, and the Indigenous Music Festival, among other actions.
  • Construction of the Coopygua seed house through an investment linked to the Commitment to Renewing the Life of Biodiversity: More than 60 Indigenous people carry out the tradition of collecting seeds from native species in the territory and selling them for restoration actions by various institutions. 

The indicator "Programs with Indigenous Communities” breaks down actions with Indigenous peoples by geographical region and highlights the main programs and projects focused on historical and cultural appreciation, strengthening relationships, improving the quality of education, and other areas of support for these communities.

 

Quilombola communities 

Suzano's relationship with quilombola communities is most intense in Bahia, Espírito Santo, and São Paulo. Of the 42 remaining quilombo communities identified by the company and registered in its Community Prioritization Matrix, 32 are concentrated north of Espírito Santo. This relationship follows the guidelines established by Suzano's Relationship Policy with Indigenous peoples and traditional communities. 

Below is the list of quilombola communities in the company's area of operation.

Bahia Unit

  • Engenheiro Cândido Mariano
  • Helvécia
  • Juazeiro (Vila Juazeiro)
  • Mutum*
  • Naiá*
  • Rio do Sul
  • Volta Miúda

* Based on internal reports and analysis, Suzano identified Quilombo Mutum in its Prioritization Matrix and noted that it is not a community structure under its influence. However, the quilombo is identified on a traditional community map.

 

Espírito Santo Unit

  • Angelim 1
  • Angelim 2
  • Angelim 3
  • Angelim Disa
  • Beira-Rio Arural
  • Córrego da Cacimba
  • Córrego do Alexandre
  • Córrego do Chiado
  • Córrego do Macuco
  • Córrego do Retiro (Nossa Senhora da Penha)
  • Córrego do Sapato
  • Córrego do Sertão
  • Córrego Grande – CB
  • Córrego São Domingos de Itauninhas
  • Coxi
  • Dilô Barbosa
  • Divino Espírito Santo
  • Linharinho
  • Mata Sede
  • Morro da Onça
  • Morro das Araras
  • Nova Vista I e II
  • Palmito
  • Palmitinho II
  • Roda d'Água
  • Santa Luzia – SM
  • Santana
  • Santaninha
  • São Cristóvão
  • São Domingos (Paraíso) 
  • São Jorge 

 

Mato Grosso do Sul Unit

  • Quilombo Família Quintin Community

 

São Paulo Unit

  • Cafundó (Salto de Pirapora municipality)
  • Jaó (Itapeva municipality)

 

2024 highlights - quilombola communities

  • Event Celebrating the Transforming the Future Call for Proposals (October 9, 2024): Held at the Mucuri Unit, the event celebrated the approval of 30 projects. Two representatives from each association participated, forming groups by theme (income generation, sport, leisure, and culture). The event included a detailed presentation of project execution stages and deadlines and signing receipts for fund disbursement to the proposing associations.
  • Investment in projects by Quilombola Community Association: Focused on diversifying the local economy through economic alternatives. With a unique program, a space was made available to promote social projects, with the sale of products from the Bela Vista Community Association ( gourmet ice cream), the Picad√£o da Bahia Beekeepers Association (honey and propolis), and, in particular, the Helvécia greengrocers group, represented by the community's quilombola association, as well as a space with other products for display.
  • Launch of Bússola Conecta: An employability initiative connecting companies in northern Espírito Santo, Aracruz, Maranhão, and Mucuri to market professionals. Supported by Suzano, the free platform has 2,824 candidates and 141 companies registered, with over 500 vacancies advertised and approximately 50 hires made.
  • Digital Inclusion Project: Implementing rural telephone towers to reduce digital gaps, providing access to online services, remote education, and business opportunities for rural residents. Approximately 1,800 people benefited from this initiative.
  • Construction of Artesian Wells: This project benefited 620 people by ensuring reliable and sustainable access to water for rural communities and addressing water scarcity challenges.
  • Alternative Businesses to Tips and Twigs Program: This program fosters new income-generating alternatives in associations collecting eucalyptus waste. Communities such as Córrego do Sertão, Morro da Onça, Angelim II, and Angelim III were included, benefiting approximately 160 people.
  • Implementation of the Strengthening Family Farming—Horta Kit Project: 44 kits were distributed to beneficiary families (approximately 70 people), encouraging sustainable production and food security.
  • Espaço Sustentabilidade (Sustainability Space): A fortnightly fair promoting the sale of products from priority communities (approximately 65 beneficiaries), supporting local entrepreneurship.
  • Quilombola Heroes Collection: Lectures and delivery of 40 books telling the stories of Quilombola leaders from Sapê do Norte. This project, by the Maciel de Aguiar law firm, strengthened relations with traditional communities and benefited over 3,700 people.
  • Quilombola Community of Cafundó (Salto de Pirapora/SP): Encouraged agricultural development by donating a water pump for crop irrigation. Artisan women from the community were invited to participate in events such as Espaço Sustentabilidade at Futuragene and the Jacareí industrial unit during the Internal Week for the Prevention of Accidents at Work (Sipat) 2024
  • Quilombola Community of Jaó (Itapeva/SP): Promoted a handicraft project to strengthen the artisan group. Key actions included renovating sewing machines and exploring natural fabric dyeing techniques using local resources.

 

Fishing communities

Suzano's operations influence six fishing communities in Bahia and Espírito Santo. The relationship with these communities is maintained through active and permanent dialogue, aiming to build a positive agenda by structuring actions and investments that promote their socioeconomic development.

To achieve this, our approach is based on increasing social capital and articulating strategic actions that stimulate the autonomy of the fishing communities with a territorial focus. This includes strengthening the culture of cooperation and sustainable practices. The goal is to engage local leaders, government representatives, social movements, private initiatives, NGOs, and other civil society organizations.

Below is a list of the fishing communities in Suzano's area of operation.

Bahia Unit

  • Alcobaça Fishing Community
  • Caravelas Fishing Community
  • Mucuri Fishing Community
  • Nova Viçosa Fishing Community
  • Prado Fishing Community


Espírito Santo Unit

  • Aracruz Fishing Community

2024 highlights - fishing communities

  • Partnership with the Alcobaça Z-24 Fishing Colony: Collaboration for constructing a school shipyard on land donated by the town hall. The shipyard will focus on refurbishing boats in compliance with environmental standards and at a low cost to the fishers. Additionally, it will offer mechanics, electricity, and naval carpentry courses, benefiting young people from the local fishing community.
  • Investment in Refurbishing the Barra do Riacho Fishers Association Headquarters: Supporting infrastructure improvement for the fishing community.
  • Provision of a Machine to Open the Barra Sea Channel: Enhancing access to the sea for fishers, improving their ability to carry out their activities efficiently.

Total number of identified cases of violation of Indigenous peoples' rights

20202021202220232024
overall number overall number overall number overall number overall number

Identified cases

0

0

0

0

0

Results of projects with fishing communities consolidated

20202021202220232024
Initiatives, associations and/or cooperatives involvedPeople who are direct beneficiaries³Families assisted³Initiatives, associations and/or cooperatives involvedPeople who are direct beneficiaries³Families assisted³Initiatives, associations and/or cooperatives involvedPeople who are direct beneficiaries³Families assisted³Initiatives, associations and/or cooperatives involvedPeople who are direct beneficiaries³Families assisted³Initiatives, associations and/or cooperatives involvedPeople who are direct beneficiaries³Families assisted³
overall number overall number overall number overall number overall number overall number overall number overall number overall number overall number overall number overall number overall number overall number overall number

Engagement with fishing communities - Bahia¹

8

4,595

3,037

8

6,555

3,210

8

6,457

3,238

8

7,950

2,340

1

6,195

3,075

Engagement with fishing communities - Espírito Santo²

7

2,496

650

4

2,325

688

4

2,649

759

5

2,320

680

4

2,630

790

Engagement with fishing communities - total

15

7,091

3,687

12

8,880

3,898

12

9,106

3,997

13

10,270

3,020

5

8,825

3,865

  1. Engagement with fishing communities in Bahia related to the municipalities of Alcobaça, Caravelas, Mucuri and Nova Viçosa, with support for gastronomic fairs, public notices, investments in productive infrastructure and strengthening of the fish chain in the region (Associação de Marisqueiros de Ponta de Areia e Caravelas; Associação de Marisqueiros de Ponta de Areia e Caravelas; Associação de Pescadores de Rede, Arrasto, Boeira, Fundo e Arraieira de Caravelas; Centro de Convivência dos Pescadores; Colônia de Pescadores Z-25 de Caravelas; Colônia de Pescadores Z-29 de Nova Viçosa; Cooperativa das Marisqueiras e Pescadores de Caravelas; Cooperativa das Marisqueiras e Pescadores de Nova Viçosa; Associação de Pescadores do Rio Mucuri).
  2. Engagement with fishing communities in Espírito Santo related to the municipality of Aracruz, with support for education and culture actions, investments in access infrastructure, strengthening the fish chain and handicrafts in the region (conselhos na Barra do Riacho e Vila do Riacho; iniciativa Pescador Cidadão; Projeto Aliança Solidária; Projeto Espírito das Águas; Projeto Saber Viver; e Redes de Proteção).
  3. People and families who participate directly in the engagement processes.