For nearly 30 years, we have been caring for the Poço Fundo Private Natural Heritage Reserve (RPPN). The reserve, with around 350 hectares of green areas, is home to more than 300 bird species, as well as remarkable animals such as the maned wolf and the jaguar. In addition, the area protects important springs and streams in the region and includes a drinking water intake that helps supply the population of Congonhas. 

The reserve is part of more than 1,400 hectares of green areas that we preserve in Congonhas—an area equivalent to more than 1,400 official football fields. In addition to the RPPN, these areas include legal reserves and environmental compensation areas. 

These spaces help preserve springs, streams, and native vegetation, while also providing shelter for various species of fauna and flora. In practice, conservation helps protect the soil, improve water quality, and support the climate balance of the region, in addition to enhancing the quality of life of local communities. 

According to Jorge Falrene, manager of physical management of non-operational assets at Vale, preserving these areas is a way of caring for the territory and for people. “These areas help conserve water, prevent soil erosion, and provide shelter for fauna and flora. In practice, this means better water quality, environmental balance, and improved conditions for surrounding communities,” he notes.