Biodiversity & Ecosystem Services
Since 2021, the Company has strengthened its biodiversity governance structure through the creation of the Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services Working Group, which reports to the ESG Committee. In 2022, CSN reinforced its commitment by publicly announcing its intention to adopt the recommendations of the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD). This commitment culminated in 2024 with the Company’s inclusion on the list of organizations committed to the early adoption of the TNFD framework.
We maintain a structured approach to biodiversity management, supported by specific commitments, the use of the BIO Biodiversity Index to assess and monitor the maturity of the Company’s conservation areas, stakeholder engagement initiatives, and efforts aimed at reducing biodiversity loss.
The BIO Index consists of a set of indicators that generate a consolidated score and guide biodiversity monitoring and the preparation of regular performance reports. Its development is based on the Biodiversity Indicator and Reporting System (BIRS) methodology developed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The application of the index enables comparisons of relevant biodiversity aspects using standardized metrics, allowing the identification and ranking of operations according to the conservation status of their biodiversity areas.
Benefits of the BIO Index
- Improved measurement of progress in preserving existing biodiversity conditions.
- Standardized quantitative assessment of biodiversity adequacy.
- Historical comparison of operational units.
- Consolidation of results at national, regional, and global levels.
- Establishment of targets and metrics to support the definition of no net loss and net gain objectives.
The guidelines and parameters governing our biodiversity management approach are set forth in the Biodiversity Guidelines, which apply to all CSN Group businesses. Click here to access the guidelines
The Company assesses the impacts of its operations on ecosystem services, considering aspects such as air quality, climate regulation, water availability, and erosion control. We maintain a public commitment to the principle of no net loss of biodiversity and strive, whenever possible, to achieve net gain, in line with leading environmental sustainability practices.
With regard to deforestation, we adopt a no net deforestation approach, meaning that any removal of native vegetation is offset through equivalent or greater reforestation or ecological restoration actions carried out within the same biome and within two years, ensuring that there is no net loss of forest cover.
This commitment applies to the Company’s own operations and also guides the selection and engagement of suppliers and business partners, with environmental requirements incorporated into procurement processes and environmental and social due diligence assessments.
Progress in implementing this commitment is monitored through the “impacted area versus protected area” indicator, which establishes, as a minimum guideline, the protection, restoration, or compensation of at least twice the cleared area for each new project developed.
In addition, georeferencing and remote sensing systems are used to monitor cleared and regenerated areas, ensuring the traceability, transparency, and effectiveness of biodiversity conservation and restoration efforts.
Biodiversity impact management programmes
Flora rescue;
Phenological monitoring;
Seed collection;
Fauna deterrence and rescue;
Environmental compensation;
Revegetation of exposed soil;
Fauna and flora monitoring;
Prevention of forest fires;
Implementation of drainage projects;
Implementation of sediment containment devices;
Road signage to prevent wildlife accidents;
Environmental education programs.
Engagement and efforts to reduce biodiversity loss:
Through the environmental licensing process and environmental studies, we manage the negative impacts arising from direct interventions in habitats (vegetation clearing). Adverse effects are addressed in accordance with the mitigation hierarchy, seeking first to avoid impacts, then to minimize them, and, where necessary, to compensate for them.
Likewise, aspects related to biodiversity loss drivers (air, water, soil, and noise pollution) are properly managed through the licensing process (license conditions) and are regularly monitored by the competent authorities. It is also worth noting that most of our operations hold ISO 14001 environmental certification.
Restoration areas (and compensatory areas), as well as protected areas, are subject to fauna, flora, and restoration status monitoring, in accordance with the requirements established by the environmental licensing authority in each location, as reflected in the licensing conditions applicable to the respective operational units.
At CSN Mineração, as part of the environmental licensing process, the management plan for the Jurema Private Natural Heritage Reserve (RPPN Jurema) was developed, along with the Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) and the Biodiversity Monitoring and Evaluation Plan (BMEP). These plans are reviewed by the environmental licensing authority, periodically audited by independent third parties, and are essential for monitoring the conservation status of biodiversity.
The CSN Group engages in a range of partnerships and initiatives with governments, regulatory agencies, and local organizations. Among these initiatives, the Company conserves more than 90,000 hectares of natural areas distributed across ten Brazilian states and the Federal District. This portfolio includes remnants of native vegetation, areas under restoration, permanent preservation areas, legal reserves, and private natural heritage reserves. To learn more about reforestation and biodiversity conservation initiatives, please refer to the Company’s Integrated Report.