Stora Enso's joint operation Veracel, co-owned with Suzano, is at the heart of a landmark forest restoration initiative launched by Biomas. The Muçununga Project, announced in southern Bahia, Brazil, represents Biomas' first large-scale effort to restore one of the world's most biodiverse ecosystems - the Atlantic rainforest.

Over the next two years, more than 2 million native seedlings will be planted across 1,200 hectares of Veracel's land. This ambitious undertaking will not only help remove carbon from the atmosphere but also contribute to the recovery of one of Brazil's most threatened biomes. By restoring forest landscapes, the project will help keep the environment cooler, safeguard water resources, and promote biodiversity - ultimately benefiting local communities, agriculture, and wildlife.

Community impact and long-term vision

The Muçununga Project is designed to deliver positive outcomes beyond environmental restoration. Through active consultation and engagement, Biomas and Veracel are working with local communities to ensure the initiative fosters social inclusion and economic opportunities.

The project is named after the unique "Muçununga" ecosystem of southern Bahia, known for its sandy soils and distinctive vegetation found only in this region. The initiative will also generate high-integrity carbon credits - meaning credits that are scientifically verified to represent real, long-lasting climate benefits, while also delivering positive impacts for biodiversity and local communities. The revenues from these high-integrity carbon credits will support the financing of the project.

The Muçununga Project represents the first step in Biomas' long-term mission to restore millions of hectares of degraded or underused lands over the next 20 years - with Veracel and its owners playing a crucial role.

A milestone ahead of COP30

As Brazil prepares to host COP30, the United Nations Climate Change Conference, the Muçununga Project stands as a symbol of collaboration between business, science, and communities to protect natural capital and combat climate change.

"At Stora Enso, we are committed to regenerative land use and biodiversity restoration as part of our responsibility to future generations. Through Veracel, we are proud to contribute to the Muçununga Project, which not only helps restore a unique ecosystem but also strengthens community resilience and supports Brazil's climate ambitions. This project demonstrates how partnerships can deliver real impact for people and the planet," says Johanna Hagelberg, EVP Biomaterials, Stora Enso, and board member of Veracel.

With the Muçununga Project, Biomas, Veracel, and their partners demonstrate how industry-led solutions can create meaningful impact for people and the planet.

Veracel at the forefront of Atlantic rainforest restoration in Brazil | PaperFIRST