A São Paulo court has condemned Suzano for environmental damage caused by eucalyptus cultivation in São Luiz do Paraitinga. The company must restore degraded areas and pay compensation of about R$ 16 million.
The ruling, issued by Judge Ana Leticia Oliveira dos Santos of the Vara Única da comarca, requires restoration of affected areas, suspension of new plantings and payment of compensation equivalent to 10,000 minimum wages. The lawsuit, filed by the São Paulo Public Defender’s Office since 2007, identified the loss of more than 126 hectares of Atlantic Forest, soil erosion and siltation of waterways.
The company, which succeeded Votorantim Celulose e Papel, stated that it conducts operations in compliance with environmental law and follows a zero-deforestation policy. The decision also holds the State of São Paulo and the municipality subsidiarily responsible for inspection failures.
Suzano will have 12 months to submit environmental impact studies and a recovery plan within 180 days. New plantings remain suspended until the documents are approved, with a daily fine of R$ 15,000 for non-compliance.
