IUCN and Veracel to Explore Nature Positive Opportunities in Brazil

The collaboration examines how well-managed eucalyptus plantations can contribute to Brazil’s National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP), and to the goals of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. IUCN and Veracel will share knowledge and insights to develop a roadmap that strengthens Veracel’s nature strategy and provides scientific evidence of a net positive impact on biodiversity. 

IUCN, recognised globally as a leader in nature conservation and sustainable resource use, is already working with linked companies Stora Enso and Suzano to pilot science-based approaches to measure biodiversity impacts.

Veracel will benefit from IUCN’s tools and methodologies—including the IUCN RHINO (Rapid High-Integrity Nature-positive Outcomes) approach and the STAR (Species Threat Abatement and Restoration) metric—as well as lessons learned from other collaborations to enhance sustainable business practices and decision-making for a Nature Positive future.

Luis Henrique Tapia, Director of Sustainability and Corporate Affairs at Veracel, emphasised the importance of this collaboration. He said: 

Partnering with IUCN underscores Veracel’s commitment to grounding our nature strategy in the best available science, ensuring our actions contribute meaningfully to biodiversity conservation, climate resilience, and sustainable community development.”

Martin Sneary, Director of IUCN’s Business and Nature Unit, said:

We are delighted to collaborate with Veracel to further explore how the IUCN RHINO approach can inform Nature Positive decision-making, building on the insights from our pilots with Stora Enso and Suzano. By combining IUCN’s science with Veracel’s sustainable forestry expertise, we move closer to shaping a model where the bioeconomy contributes meaningfully to global biodiversity goals.”

Gabriel Quijandría, Regional Director of IUCN South America, added:

The UN’s recognition of the Atlantic Forest’s restoration as a global model of promise highlights the power of collective action for nature. As we move toward Climate COP30 in Belém, it is encouraging to see Veracel demonstrating leadership in building a forestry model that supports the recovery of this remarkable ecosystem." 

About Veracel

Established in 1991, Veracel is a Brazilian company in the bioeconomy sector focused on the sustainable production of eucalyptus-based pulp. The company is a joint venture between two global leaders in the pulp and paper industry: Stora Enso headquartered in Finland and the Brazilian company Suzano.