Together, the participants planted native seedlings, symbolizing the beginning of ecosystem restoration. Over the next few years, Vitória Airport will coordinate the work, identifying invasive plant species and carrying out the appropriate management to ensure the reforestation of the original vegetation — also guaranteeing the conditions for the preservation and expansion of native fauna.

“We have the technical partnership of the city hall and the partnership of specialist environmental entities, which is fundamental for the project. The most important thing, however, will be the support of the population, especially those who pass through the area, since this sensitive recovery work must also occur in harmony with the human flow and daily activities in the region”, says the CEO of Zurich Airport Brazil, Ricardo Gesse.

The Degraded Area Recovery Plan (PRAD) is a compensatory measure provided for in the TCA - Term of Environmental Commitment signed between Vitória Airport, Idaf and the Municipal Environment Secretariat (SEMMAM), in order to compensate for the impacts generated by the works. construction of the new terminal, carried out by the former administration. The total recovery, which also includes restinga areas inside the airport site, will reach 14,5 hectares.

According to the director-president of Idaf, Leonardo Cunha Monteiro, the TCA provided for the recovery of restinga areas and a pecuniary compensation that was deposited in the municipal environment fund. “It was necessary to remove vegetation for the works on the new airport, and Idaf demanded compensation for twice the area removed. The TCA is an important tool to counterbalance the environmental impacts foreseen in the implementation of a project”, highlighted Monteiro.

People passing through the region will be able to learn more about the project through explanatory plaques, which show the native species of fauna and flora that will receive special attention. A partner in the project, Instituto Últimos Refúgios will also work to raise awareness in the surrounding community, with works and presentations. 

Sustainability is one of the values ​​of Vitória Airport, which has a specialized team dedicated to the topic and specialists highlighted for this specific project. Although it is slow and delicate work, the expectation is that the first results will begin to appear naturally in the coming months.