Canal do Sertão Alagoano Launches the “Greener Sertão” Project and Promotes a Socio-Environmental Initiative in São José da Tapera

As the starting point of a structured afforestation and environmental education program, the Canal do Sertão project, together with students, teachers, and young participants from the Adolescent Citizenship Center—an initiative that is part of the UNICEF Seal program—planted 30 seedlings of native Caatinga biome tree species, including umbu, umbu-cajá, mango, and orange trees, at José Soares Filho State School. The message shared with the students was: “We are not planting trees; we are planting the future of Tapera (São José da Tapera).”

The activity was designed to create a lasting impact. Each seedling was planted by a student and identified with their name, creating a direct bond of care, belonging, and responsibility for the tree’s growth. The initiative represents, in a practical way, a commitment to sustainability and to the development of the region.

Conceived by teacher José Aleandro, from São José da Tapera, the project aims to enhance the municipality’s urban forestry, particularly in urban areas. Darlan de Souza, Sustainability Manager for the Canal do Sertão Alagoano project, explained that Professor José had sought support from local authorities without success, which led the project team to become a partner in the initiative.

“We met with the municipality’s Secretary of Environment and local schools. We identified planting locations and sought partners willing to donate seedlings. Within the company, we prepared stakes with plant identification labels and provided labor for site preparation, including digging planting pits. In this way, we were able to create the conditions necessary to turn the project into reality,” said Darlan.

This activity was only the first step in a broader effort to continue planting trees in other locations, such as schools and public spaces, with the goal of improving the city’s green coverage, increasing shaded areas during periods of higher temperatures, promoting environmental education among students, and producing food for local residents.

The program also includes the monitoring of planted seedlings and other initiatives, helping to establish a lasting environmental legacy for the region. In addition, the project contributes to employee engagement through actions that generate a tangible and positive impact.

According to Darlan, the initiative delivers numerous intangible benefits, particularly by strengthening the Values that are part of Our Culture, such as promoting sustainable development and carrying out actions that benefit society.

“This initiative brings us even closer to the community where we operate, reinforcing our image as a responsible company committed to sustainability and to improving the quality of life of the communities where we develop our projects,” emphasized the Sustainability Manager.