Historically, wood theft significantly impacted Suzano's business, leading to conflicts with some surrounding communities in the regions where we operate. For instance, in 2009, the company lost over 650,000 cubic meters of wood due to theft, amounting to more than 50 million reais.
In 2024, losses significantly reduced, showcasing the effectiveness of the monitoring, preventive measures, and strategic actions taken by the Asset Intelligence (IP, in Portuguese) area. Key initiatives included awareness campaigns aimed at local communities, which focused on fostering dialogue to protect the company’s forest resources. Additionally, these efforts were supported by a comprehensive internal training program for security and surveillance teams, emphasizing preventive actions in their interactions with the community.
Another strategic highlight is the promotion of public-private partnerships through security councils that aim to enhance public security in rural areas.
Suzano has significantly invested in advanced technologies through its Innovation and Technology (IP) department. These technologies focus on preventive measures and continuous monitoring of forestry assets, utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning tools. This approach enhances predictive technologies and improves the effectiveness of a well-defined risk management structure.
The table below shows the total amount of wood stolen by region.
Total wood stolen by region¹
| 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| m³ | m³ | ha | ha | ha | |
|
Bahia |
2,600.00 |
2,054.00 |
44.41 |
32.40 |
56.60 |
|
Espírito Santo |
9,422.00 |
5,364.00 |
150.59 |
140.30 |
16.40 |
|
Maranhão |
42.00 |
16.00 |
0.21 |
3.00 |
0.30 |
|
Mato Grosso do Sul |
0.00 |
9.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
|
São Paulo |
366.00 |
366.00 |
2.08 |
9.00 |
1.40 |
|
Total |
12,430.00 |
7,809.00 |
197.29 |
184.70 |
74.70 |
- Until 2021, stolen wood data was reported in volume (m³). In 2022, we started reporting in the area [hectare (ha)], following the pattern of how the forestry operation reports data about damage (fires). The methodology was changed to align with how other damage to the company's biological assets is reported. The board of directors receives the figures in this unit of measurement (ha) in the monthly reports and at the annual closing. The executives' goals involved in the process are also measured in hectares