The Cerrado is a tropical woodland-savanna that covers almost a quarter of Brazil. It is one of the country's most active agricultural regions. It is also a vibrant natural area that is home to many diverse species of animals and plants.

Brazilian law requires that farmers in the Cerrado set aside lands to preserve this important ecosystem.

Bunge works in partnership with Conservation International (CI), a global nongovernmental organization, and Oréades, a Brazilian NGO, to help farmers in the Cerrado manage their lands and preserve biodiversity. Together, we provide growers with information and technical assistance, using satellite technology to map farm properties and identify areas with high concentrations of biodiversity.

The partnership facilitates collaboration between farmers and conservationists in setting aside legally-required reserves, creating biodiversity corridors and revitalizing damaged areas. It consists of the following elements:

• creating a network of private reserves by helping farmers establish and manage legal set-asides in accordance with the Brazilian Forestry Code, and
  
  

• integrating conservation criteria into Bunge's supply chain by promoting conservation and encouraging the adoption of environmental best practices.

In addition to helping farmers comply with environmental laws, this partnership seeks to bring together public and private interests in regional planning efforts, thus linking conservation needs and regional development goals. In the states of Goiás, Mato Grosso do Sul, Piauí and Maranhão, more than 55 farm properties totaling nearly half a million acres participate in these projects.

Read a description of the Bunge-Conservation International Cerrado partnership published by Conservation International's Center for Environmental Leadership in Business. Information on the partnership and other environmental projects also can be found in the sustainability section of Bunge's website in Brazil or in Bunge's 2007 report on sustainability in Brazil, both available in English.