Hydro-Backed Research Partnership Releases Decade-Long Study on Biodiversity in Paragominas

Hydro-Backed Research Partnership Releases Decade-Long Study on Biodiversity in Paragominas

(IN BRIEF) The Brazil-Norway Biodiversity Research Consortium has launched Amazon Forest: Biodiversity and Forest Restoration in Paragominas, a new book presenting findings from more than a decade of research on biodiversity and forest restoration in the Amazon rainforest. The publication focuses on rehabilitated areas covering approximately 3,759 hectares and examines how restored ecosystems develop over time, as well as how mining activities affect surrounding environments. The work draws on contributions from 78 researchers across 19 institutions and reflects the consortium’s broader research activity since 2013, including 25 projects and more than 80 scientific publications. Funded by the Hydro Fund, the partnership brings together Hydro, the Federal University of Pará, the Emílio Goeldi Paraense Museum, the Federal Rural University of the Amazon and the University of Oslo. Hydro said the research supports its biodiversity ambitions, including no net loss of biodiversity in Paragominas and future projects, and rehabilitation of mined areas on a one-to-one basis within two hydrological seasons after operations end.

(PRESS RELEASE) OSLO, 18-Jun-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — The Brazil-Norway Biodiversity Research Consortium has launched a new book presenting more than a decade of research into biodiversity, ecological restoration and the environmental impacts of mining-related land rehabilitation in the Amazon rainforest.

The book, Amazon Forest: Biodiversity and Forest Restoration in Paragominas, brings together findings from research carried out in rehabilitated areas covering approximately 3,759 hectares. The work examines how restored areas develop over time and how mining activities interact with surrounding ecosystems.

The publication is based on contributions from 78 researchers representing 19 institutions. Since 2013, the Brazil-Norway Biodiversity Research Consortium has carried out 25 research projects and contributed to more than 80 scientific publications focused on biodiversity, the ecological effects of mining and forest restoration. The consortium’s activities are financed by the Hydro Fund.

Eduardo Figueiredo, Senior Vice President Sustainability and Communication at Hydro Bauxite & Alumina, said the partnership and the consortium’s research help Hydro better understand the ecological context in which it operates. He said the work supports Hydro’s ambition of achieving no net loss of biodiversity in Paragominas and in future projects.

The Brazil-Norway Biodiversity Research Consortium brings together scientific expertise from the Amazon region and international partners. Its research has helped expand understanding of soil recovery, species resilience and the complex relationships between plants, animals and ecosystems. These insights are considered important for designing effective restoration approaches in areas affected by mining activity.

The research also supports Hydro’s wider biodiversity objectives, including its ambition of no net loss of biodiversity in new projects and in Paragominas. Hydro also aims to rehabilitate mined areas on a one-to-one basis within two hydrological seasons after operations end.

The Brazil-Norway Biodiversity Research Consortium is a partnership between Hydro and four research institutions: the Federal University of Pará, the Emílio Goeldi Paraense Museum, the Federal Rural University of the Amazon and the University of Oslo. The collaboration reflects growing scientific focus in Brazil on biodiversity, innovation, sustainability and other strategic research areas.

Over the past 10 years, Hydro has invested approximately BRL 15 million, or around NOK 33 million, in the consortium. The company said this long-term support has helped strengthen scientific knowledge around restoration and biodiversity in one of the world’s most ecologically important regions.

The Hydro Fund, created in 2019, represents a commitment by Hydro, Alunorte, Mineração Paragominas and Albras to invest BRL 100 million, equivalent to approximately NOK 187 million, in social initiatives that contribute to sustainable development in the territories where they operate.

Through the new book, the consortium aims to make its research findings more accessible while highlighting the importance of long-term scientific collaboration in supporting biodiversity protection, forest restoration and sustainable land management in the Amazon.

Download the book

Amazon Forest: Biodiversity and Forest Restoration in Paragominas

Download in English and Portuguese

About the Brazil-Norway Biodiversity Research Consortium (BRC)

The BRC is a partnership between Hydro and four research institutions: the Federal University of Pará (UFPA), the Emílio Goeldi Paraense Museum (MPEG), the Federal Rural University of the Amazon (UFRA), and the University of Oslo (UiO). Over the last years, Brazil has deepened research in biodiversity, innovation, sustainability and other themes considered strategic for the country. Brazil is currently placed thirteenth internationally in scientific production.*

Over the last 10 years Hydro has invested approximately BRL 15 million (approximately NOK 33 million) in the BRC.

*Data from the Center for Management and Strategic Studies (CGEE), a social organization supervised by the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation (MCTI).

About the Hydro Fund

Created in 2019, the Hydro Fund represents the commitment of the companies Hydro, Alunorte, Mineração Paragominas and Albras to invest BRL 100 million (approximately NOK 187 million) to leverage social initiatives that contribute to the sustainable development of the territories where they are present.

Media Contact:

Anders Vindegg
Head of Media Relations, Group Communication
anders.vindegg@hydro.com
+47 93864271

SOURCE: Norsk Hydro ASA