A partner in Vale’s 2030 Forest Goal, ITV supports Fundo Vale in generating scientific value associated with the social and environmental impacts of restoring habitat through sustainable systems 

Created in 2010 by Vale with the mission of generating scientific knowledge and developing skills in mining and sustainability, the Vale Institute of Technology (ITV) is celebrating 15 years of operations. More than an academic center, ITV applies science to address mining challenges and foster sustainable development in the Amazon through innovation. 

Currently, the institute’s Sustainable Development arm – a strategic partner of Fundo Vale – has 40 dedicated researchers, 105 employees, 11 laboratories equipped with state-of-the-art technology and a legacy of 735 published scientific articles, 10 patents and 185 graduates of its professional master’s program. “Our mission is to produce science that supports Vale’s business in a sustainable manner, but our vision goes further: we actively seek to support decision-makers by providing them with scientific intelligence, helping transform data into concrete and strategic actions for a more sustainable future,” explains Josiane Martins, ITV’s project management and institutional relations manager. 

ITV’s activities include training people through its professional master’s program, disseminating knowledge, developing social and environmental technologies, and forming strategic partnerships. Scientific excellence, transparency and sharing of lessons learned are high-priority values for ITV. The institute also values collaboration, communities’ traditional know-how and a multidisciplinary approach, seeking solutions that integrate social, economic and environmental dimensions. 

“Making decisions based on data and evidence, generating knowledge and contributing to practices in the field are essential factors for the social and environmental impact we seek in the initiatives we support, within the scope of Vale’s goal of restoring 100,000 hectares of forest by 2030. That is why ITV is a key partner that we are privileged to have with us on this journey,” says Nathalia Cipoleta of Fundo Vale’s Strategy, Management and Impact Area. 

Learn about the ITV projects that are supporting Fundo Vale in its efforts to achieve Vale’s 2030 Forest Goal of restoring 100,000 hectares through sustainable production systems.  

Cocoa Project 

This initiative is investigating key challenges in structuring the cocoa chain and aims to promote appreciation for biodiversity and strengthen the bioeconomy in the Amazon through businesses supported by Fundo Vale. Among other things, ITV’s Cocoa Project diagnosed the present conditions of the cocoa chain in the region, in terms of technology and socioeconomic organization. It also cross-referenced information on forest assets and liabilities against areas earmarked for agroforestry systems on properties linked to Vale’s 2030 Forest Goal. Scientists working on the project are also investigating the relationship between microorganisms and the aromas and flavors of cocoa beans, connecting technical and sensory aspects of production and promoting the exchange of information between experts, producers and local entrepreneurs. 

Soil Quality Index 

This project involves a continuous assessment of the physical, chemical and biological characteristics of soil in areas restored by businesses supported by Fundo Vale, using molecular techniques based on DNA and proteins. The initiative aims to validate the effectiveness of sustainable management and to quantify gains in ecosystem services, underpinned by a detailed diagnosis of soil quality in these areas. The project includes analysis of fertility reports, molecular biological studies to map biodiversity, and refinements to the formula for calculating the Soil Quality Index. The results of these studies are used to measure the environmental impact generated by Fundo Vale’s support.  

Native Vegetation  

The project “Analysis of Native Vegetation Conservation in Protected Areas and Private Properties” was developed with three central objectives in mind. First, it set out to identify opportunities and threats to native vegetation conservation in Brazil, with a special focus on practices such as deforestation and the use of fires to clear land. Second, it analyzed rural properties’ compliance with environmental regulations. Finally, it offered a qualitative overview of the biophysical and socioeconomic performance of agroforestry systems implemented in the municipalities of Canaã dos Carajás and Parauapebas, culminating in the creation of an agroforestry performance index. 

Democratizing knowledge 

To raise awareness among farmers about the importance of sustainable practices, the Vale Institute of Technology, with support from Fundo Vale, has developed a series of booklets:  

Pollinators  

A booklet called Pollinators: Small Creatures That Contribute to Fruit and Seed Production in Agriculture shows that the more floral resources are available in crop areas, the higher the quality of pollination services, resulting in improved agricultural yields. Furthermore, it shows that agroforestry systems, such as those that include crops like cocoa, play an important role in nature conservation while being profitable for farmers. 

Land tenure regularization 

Another important booklet is called Land Tenure Regularization: A Practical Guide for Family Farmers. This document addresses legal, environmental and social issues, offering practical guidance to help farmers overcome obstacles to formalizing their land rights in Brazil. The guide presents fundamental concepts of land tenure regularization and describes public policies, such as the National Program to Strengthen Family Farming (PRONAF) and the National Land Credit Program. It also provides guidance on the importance of Brazil’s Rural Environmental Registry and other measures essential for land tenure regularization. 

Agroforestry systems 

“Cultivating Sustainability: A Guide to Agroforestry Systems” was produced to provide practical and accessible information to help family farmers implement and manage agroforestry systems. In addition, the guide highlights public policies and incentives available to strengthen the role of agroforestry systems in promoting a more sustainable and resilient rural economy. 

Beekeeping 

The booklet Honey in Agroforestry Systems: Working with Native Bees in Agroforestry Systems explores the transition from conventional crop and livestock farming to agroforestry systems supplemented by beekeeping. The material provides technical information on the implementation and management of agroforestry systems and honey production as an alternative source of income for rural people, as well as listing specialized assistance initiatives.