Michelin Green Gold Bahia Program, Brazil

The Michelin Green Gold Bahia program in Brazil has become, over time, a flagship for the Group’s corporate social responsibility programs.

Michelin has been present in Brazil in the natural rubber sector since the 1970s.

In 2003, Michelin launched the Green Gold Bahia Program, an ecological reserve, a research center into rubber plant varieties and a pilot project to improve living conditions for smallholders: the Group is putting its words in action.

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The project has since expanded in 3 main directions:

Environmental stewardship

Created in 2006, the nature reserve of over 3,000-hectare has become one of the best-protected areas of the Atlantic Forest, one of the most species-rich yet most endangered ecosystems in the world. The Reserve also protects the 61-meter high Pancada Grande waterfalls.

As part of the reforestation program, 108,500 trees spanning 275 species have been planted, enlarging the forested area by 300 hectares.

2,000 species have been identified, including 20 new species discovered. Since the Reserve opened, there has been a 117% increase in the mammal and large bird population, particularly among certain species threatened with extinction.

Furthermore, an environmental awareness program is being conducted to help local communities manage the day-to-day environmental obligations associated with living so close to a reserve.

In 2017, the decision was made to add another 386 hectares to the reserve, making the Pacange River valley the only valley in the region free of any business or farming activity.

Scientific research in the Michelin Ecological Reserve

To date, Michelin has sponsored more than 113 research projects in Bahia on various species of mammals, birds, amphibians, reptiles, fish, plants and fungi, which have led to 122 scientific publications.

Scientific research in Michelin rubber groves: approximately 1,000 hectares have been set aside for research to develop new, more disease resistant varieties with higher yields. More than 30,000 varieties are being tested for selection, and the elite cultivars will be widely distributed to farmers in every producing country.

International Reference in terms of Microcyclus ulei fungus Scientific Research program

Michelin, in partnership with CIRAD (Center for International Integration in Agronomic Research for Development) in France, developed a pioneering research program in 1992 to create new varieties of rubber trees resistant to the Microcyclus ulei fungus.

This fungus, poses a global threat to rubber production. Michelin and CIRAD are testing several new varieties of rubber trees that have increased resistant to the fungus and have a high productivity potential. This is crucial for the future of the natural rubber production all over the world.

In order to benefit small farmers, Michelin launched its family farming program outside the property. For the past decade, Michelin has offered technical assistance and financial orientations that have allowed farmers to obtain the credit and technical skills necessary to implement the agroforestry systems on their farms. More than 50 counties in Bahia receiving the benefits of this program.

Social and economic progress

A total of 5,000 hectares have been allocated to independent farms as part of an ambitious land reform program to develop agroforestry systems based on rubber trees, cocoa trees and other crops. Michelin also operates two highly efficient natural rubber processing facilities on its Bahia and Sooretama (Espirito Santo) sites, which produce more than 30,000 tonnes per year to supply its local tire plants.

The Green Gold Bahia Program is a concrete example of a Michelin commitment to produce a renewable resource while promoting economic growth, social development and environmental protection, thus contributing to a better future for all.