BVRio supports the creation of ecological corridors in southern Brazil as part of environmental compensation efforts

BVRio worked to promote the conservation of native vegetation in southern Brazil through a project supporting the creation of ecological corridors in the states of Paraná and Santa Catarina. The initiative is part of an environmental compensation programme linked to the licensing of two major oil pipelines operating in the region.

At the request of Transpetro, the pipeline operator, BVRio has been commissioned to help implement key environmental measures required by Brazilian authorities as part of the pipeline’s legal approval. This includes engaging local landowners and supporting them in adopting formal conservation mechanisms recognised under Brazil’s Forest Code. These efforts are focused on protecting at least 380 hectares of Atlantic Forest remnants and connecting them through ecological corridors that strengthen regional biodiversity.

Activities carried out by BVRio include on-site visits to engage landowners, mapping of properties with native vegetation exceeding legal reserve requirements, development of communication materials, and legal-technical support for the formalisation of these conservation instruments.

Daniela Pires Albuquerque, BVRio’s Legal Manager, explains that, “Our role is to act as facilitators of Brazil’s environmental legislation. We provide legal clarity, technical guidance, and direct support to enable landowners to adopt tools such as Environmental Easements and CRAs, as outlined in the Brazilian Forest Code.” 

These efforts align with technical plans developed by the pipeline operator and submitted to Brazil’s federal environmental agency (IBAMA) as part of the official licensing process for the pipelines. BVRio’s project team includes legal, environmental, and stakeholder engagement specialists. 

Renato Castro Santos, BVRio Project Manager, conducted field visits last week to engage with rural landowners with surplus Legal Reserve areas on their properties. He reports that landowners showed strong interest in the opportunities offered by Environmental Servitudes and Environmental Reserve Quotas (CRAs) as a means to protect these areas.

With this initiative, BVRio reaffirms its commitment to biodiversity conservation, improved environmental governance, and the practical implementation of public environmental policies in Brazil.