Connect habitat fragments to restore landscapes

Suzano is a Brazilian producer of paper and pulp with a presence in over 80 countries

Suzano identified biodiversity loss as a major environmental and business risk. Habitat fragmentation—where natural areas are isolated into disconnected patches—was recognized as a primary driver of biodiversity decline. After consulting more than 50 experts and stakeholders, the company prioritized improving landscape connectivity as part of its broader nature and climate strategy. It committed to connecting 500,000 hectares of priority fragments for conservation by 2030.

Location of the initiative: Brazil

The initiative focuses on establishing ecological corridors to connect fragmented natural habitats. These corridors are designed using a mapping process that identifies priority conservation areas based on size, ecological value, and connectivity potential. The corridors are implemented through native and mixed-model restoration in both company-owned and third-party areas, including farms, settlements, traditional communities, and Indigenous lands. Partnerships with research institutions and technical organizations support planning, restoration, monitoring, and community engagement.

Key components:

• Map and classify priority fragments

• Design ecological corridors for connectivity

• Restore degraded areas with native and mixed planting models

• Engage third-party landholders and local communities

• Monitor biodiversity through environmental DNA and acoustic tools

Sustainability Impact

Climate

The initiative influences Scope 3, Category 2 (Capital Goods) and Category 6 (Business Travel) minimally but primarily contributes to long-term carbon sequestration through restored forest areas. While the initiative is mainly focused on biodiversity, restored native vegetation contributes to increased carbon stocks. By 2024, 2,013 hectares of restored areas support long-term GHG absorption, enabling connections across 157,889 hectares of landscapes.

Nature

The initiative directly reduces habitat fragmentation and increases ecological connectivity, allowing species movement and improving ecosystem resilience. Restoring native vegetation enhances biodiversity, soil quality, and water regulation. Community nurseries and seed networks also strengthen local genetic diversity.

Social

The initiative strengthens rural and traditional territories by creating community nurseries, a seed house, and training programs. More than 120 participants were trained in seed collection, generating local income opportunities and expanding community participation in ecological restoration efforts.

Business Impact

Benefits

• Reduces long-term operational risks related to biodiversity loss

• Supports regulatory compliance and nature-positive commitments

• Strengthens relationships with communities and partners

• Enhances reputation and investor confidence through nature stewardship

• Contributes to long-term landscape stability around operational areas

Costs

Typical costs include:

• Investment in restoration across productive and third-party lands

• Establishment of nurseries and seed supply networks

• Biodiversity monitoring (eDNA and acoustic technologies)

• Community engagement and training programs

Costs vary depending on:

• The degree of land degradation

• Local ecological conditions

• Availability of native seedlings

Cost optimization strategies:

• Using community nurseries to reduce seedling costs

• Establishing local seed networks

• Partnering with external organizations

Typical Business Profile

Most relevant for:

• Land-based industries (forestry, agriculture, pulp and paper)

• Companies with extensive rural landscapes

• Organizations seeking to strengthen biodiversity strategies

• Regions experiencing high habitat fragmentation

Approach

• Conduct stakeholder consultations to frame biodiversity priorities.

• Map and classify priority habitat fragments.

• Design ecological corridors for landscape connectivity.

• Secure engagement with landowners and local communities.

• Implement restoration using native and mixed planting models.

• Establish seed houses and community nurseries.

• Train local participants in seed collection and seedling production.

• Monitor biodiversity using eDNA and acoustic devices.

• Review progress and expand corridor areas over time.

Stakeholders Involved

• Project Leads: Environmental and sustainability teams.

• Internal Functions: Forestry operations, land management, community relations.

• Main Providers: Technical partners such as research institutions and environmental NGOs.

• Other Stakeholders: Third-party landowners, traditional communities, Indigenous peoples, clients involved in restoration partnerships.

Key Parameters to Consider

• Well-established restoration practices, but large-scale corridor reconstruction requires expertise

• Multi-year implementation: initial mapping to monitoring can take several years

• Restoration areas may take decades to mature

• Requires consistent supply of native seeds and seedlings

• Fire, land-use conflicts, and deforestation create operational risks

• Engagement with third-party landholders is essential

Implementation and Operations Tips

• Invest early in community partnerships to ensure long-term cooperation

• Establish local seed networks to reduce dependency on external suppliers

• Prioritize monitoring to track ecological recovery and inform adaptive management

• Use diverse restoration models to match local ecological conditions

• Develop strategies to manage fire and illegal deforestation risks