The ecological corridors where nature and business connect

Biodiversity loss is one of the most pressing global challenges of our time, driven largely by habitat fragmentation. When forests are broken into isolated patches, species struggle to reproduce and survive. We at Suzano, a Brazilian forestry company and the world’s largest producer of market pulp, have taken a bold step to address this issue by committing to connect 500,000 hectares of fragmented priority conservation areas across the three largest biomes in Brazil: the Amazon, Cerrado and Atlantic Forest by 2030.

We are creating ecological corridors – stretches of restored or sustainably managed land that link fragmented habitats. These corridors allow animals and plants to move more freely between areas, helping ecosystems recover and become more resilient.

Using advanced mapping and landscape modelling, we identify the most critical areas for conservation and implement corridors through native species restoration – replanting trees that naturally belong to each biome – and sustainable land use practices that balance ecological recovery with sustainable production.

Protecting nature is protecting business

While the initiative is deeply rooted in environmental stewardship, it also presents a compelling business case. Forest fragmentation increases vulnerability to pests, diseases and wildfires – risks that can lead to significant operational losses. By reconnecting habitats and improving ecosystem health, Suzano reduces these threats, stabilising productivity and lowering costs associated with remediation and insurance.

For large-scale forestry operations, even modest gains in resilience can translate into hundreds of thousands of US dollars saved annually. By reducing habitat isolation, ecological corridors strengthen the health of planted forests and mitigates risks that would otherwise require costly interventions.

Moreover, Suzano’s leadership in restoration and biodiversity positions the company favourably in the growing market for sustainable finance. By aligning with global Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) standards, Suzano gains access to green and sustainability-linked credit lines with lower interest rates, reducing the cost of capital.

The environmental gains of restoring natures living web

By 2024, we had implemented 2,013 hectares of ecological corridors – equivalent to about 2,800 soccer fields. These corridors connected 157,889 hectares of forest fragments – an area that is 1.5 times larger than Belém, Brazil, the host city of COP30 this year. Of the restored area, 57% were developed using mixed-use production models, while the remaining 43% were dedicated to native vegetation restoration. These efforts contribute directly to carbon removal, as newly planted trees absorb CO2 during growth.

Yet, the climate benefits extend further. Corridors improve water retention, reduce soil erosion and regulate microclimates – all of which help communities and ecosystems build resilience against extreme weather events. Suzano also created the largest Private Natural Heritage Reserve (RPPN) in Maranhão, North-Eastern Brazil, in 2025. It covers 5,800 hectares in a transition zone between the Cerrado and Amazon, a strategic area for carbon storage and biodiversity protection.

Innovative monitoring tools such as environmental DNA (eDNA), AI-enabled acoustic recorders that track species presence and ecosystem health, ensuring scientific credibility and adaptive management to monitor biodiversity.

Creating jobs and strengthening local communities

The initiative also generates tangible socioeconomic benefits. Suzano has established three community nurseries and a seed house, and trained 120 people in seed collection – creating jobs and strengthening local restoration supply chains. Projects and partnerships with cooperatives such as Copyguá have enabled the sale of 2.4 tonnes of native seeds, further fostering income generation and community involvement.

This engagement also enhances Suzano’s social license to operate, building trust and reducing the risk of conflict. Improved socioeconomic conditions in neighbouring areas contribute to more stable operations and supply chains. Additionally, assets created, such as seed supply and restoration service, can generate income for the communities.

Conservation as a competitive advantage

Ecological corridors are the most effective large-scale tool to address biodiversity loss. They not only restore connectivity but also deliver the ecosystem services our business depends on. For a company operating at a landscape scale, corridors are a critical enabler of our businesses.

By investing in biodiversity, Suzano reduces operational risks, enhances resilience and unlocks new financial and market opportunities for businesses. At the same time, it contributes to climate mitigation, biodiversity conservation and community development.

As industries worldwide grapple with the twin challenges of climate change and biodiversity loss, Suzano’s approach offers a replicable model – one that turns conservation from a cost into a competitive advantage – and redefines what sustainable growth can look like in the 21st century.

---

2025 is a critical year for the Paris Agreement. Ten years on, we need to rethink how we frame the challenge. And seeing challenges differently is what business and we are all about. 

ICC is committed to securing what businesses need at the upcoming climate negotiations, COP30, in Belém, Brazil. Learn more about our Opportunity of a Lifetime climate campaign and how to get involved. 

*Disclaimer: The content of this article may not reflect the official views of the International Chamber of Commerce. The opinions expressed are solely those of the authors and other contributors.