Gregorio da Cruz Araujo Maciel
Environmental Projects Manager
Petrobras
Doctor in Economics. I have been working for Petrobras since 2008. My background is competitive intelligence studies, long-term corporate scenarios, as well as macroeconomic and energy projections. Currently, I am Environmental Projects Manager in the Executive Social Responsibility Department, responsible for managing projects in the Ocean and Forests lines, as well as projects arising from nature-based solutions.
Participates in
TECHNICAL PROGRAMME | Energy Leadership
Stakeholder Engagement
Forum 31 | Digital Poster Plaza 5
30
April
12:00
14:00
UTC+3
Petrobras, a Brazilian energy company, is committed to leading a just energy transition process. Through Petrobras Socio-Environmental Program (PSP), created in 2013, the company is transforming environmental and social challenges into opportunities for regeneration, learning and positive change.
At the heart of the PSP is Forest Program’s Line, which connects civil society organizations, indigenous peoples, quilombolas and riverside communities to strengthen sustainable practices. Beyond our support for isolated projects, we recognize and value the cultural roots and biodiversity of the areas.
PSP Forest Program’s Line integrates corporate governance and ESG performance. Each project, selected by public tender, reflects a commitment to social equity, environmental conservation and the valuing of traditional knowledge. Thus, Forest Program’s Line directly tackles the global challenge of reducing social inequalities and combating climate change. The initiative incorporates guidelines such as Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Global Biodiversity Framework and the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration.
In 2024, the 25 Forest Line projects conserved or recovered more than 535 thousand hectares of Brazilian biomes, including in the Amazon, Atlantic Forest, Cerrado, Pampa and Caatinga. More than 3,160 producers were engaged in sustainable practices and 4,300 participants attended courses and workshops on forest restoration, agroforestry systems and bioeconomy. Forest Line projects resulted, cumulatively, in:
Petrobras believes that the forest left standing has more value, so it fosters integration between traditional knowledge and science, investing in agroforestry systems, bioeconomy and regenerative practices. The SROI (Social Return on Investment) impact assessment methodology yielded an average return of BRL 5.72 for every BRL 1 invested. Besides demonstrating the effectiveness of such actions, SROI contributes to improved management and communication with stakeholders.
Forest Projects has developed environmental education initiatives which reached 8,000 children and engaged 191 thousand participants with sustainability awareness-raising initiatives, inspiring them to become agents of change.
Beyond the numbers, the results convey the strengthening of community networks, an appreciation of local knowledge and the construction of paths towards equitable ecological transformation. Respecting these voices involves learning about the way of life and cultural diversity of these communities. By investing in projects focused on indigenous peoples, the Company reinforces the importance of caring for people and the environment, of nature-based solutions and the pursuit of equitable energy transition.
At the heart of the PSP is Forest Program’s Line, which connects civil society organizations, indigenous peoples, quilombolas and riverside communities to strengthen sustainable practices. Beyond our support for isolated projects, we recognize and value the cultural roots and biodiversity of the areas.
PSP Forest Program’s Line integrates corporate governance and ESG performance. Each project, selected by public tender, reflects a commitment to social equity, environmental conservation and the valuing of traditional knowledge. Thus, Forest Program’s Line directly tackles the global challenge of reducing social inequalities and combating climate change. The initiative incorporates guidelines such as Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Global Biodiversity Framework and the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration.
In 2024, the 25 Forest Line projects conserved or recovered more than 535 thousand hectares of Brazilian biomes, including in the Amazon, Atlantic Forest, Cerrado, Pampa and Caatinga. More than 3,160 producers were engaged in sustainable practices and 4,300 participants attended courses and workshops on forest restoration, agroforestry systems and bioeconomy. Forest Line projects resulted, cumulatively, in:
- 3.1 million seedlings planted;
- 3 million tons of CO₂ averted, supporting Petrobras climate commitments;
- BRL 8.29 million in revenue generated from the sale of biodiversity products;
- 670 protected, studied or monitored species, including 16 endangered animals, such as the muriqui, the largest primate in the Americas.
Petrobras believes that the forest left standing has more value, so it fosters integration between traditional knowledge and science, investing in agroforestry systems, bioeconomy and regenerative practices. The SROI (Social Return on Investment) impact assessment methodology yielded an average return of BRL 5.72 for every BRL 1 invested. Besides demonstrating the effectiveness of such actions, SROI contributes to improved management and communication with stakeholders.
Forest Projects has developed environmental education initiatives which reached 8,000 children and engaged 191 thousand participants with sustainability awareness-raising initiatives, inspiring them to become agents of change.
Beyond the numbers, the results convey the strengthening of community networks, an appreciation of local knowledge and the construction of paths towards equitable ecological transformation. Respecting these voices involves learning about the way of life and cultural diversity of these communities. By investing in projects focused on indigenous peoples, the Company reinforces the importance of caring for people and the environment, of nature-based solutions and the pursuit of equitable energy transition.
Petrobras has invested in social and environmental initiatives for around 40 years, supporting civil society organizations in environmental conservation efforts. Over this period, Petrobras has become a national reference in supporting marine biodiversity in Brazil. Since 2014, this commitment has been structured through the Petrobras Socioenvironmental Program, which guides support for projects across different lines of action, including the “Ocean” line, specifically aligned with Sustainable Development Goal 14 (SDG 14: Life Below Water) and the UN Decade of Ocean Science—connections that have strengthened in recent years and are unique to this line.
Petrobras coordinates the Biomar Network (Rede Biomar), a collaborative platform that brings together five nationally and internationally recognized marine conservation projects—Albatroz, Coral Vivo, Golfinho Rotador, Baleia Jubarte, and Meros do Brasil. These initiatives, proposed and carried out by civil society organizations, have an average of 32 years of existence, with Petrobras providing continuous support for up to 29 years.
Established in 2007, the Biomar Network was created to foster collaboration, knowledge exchange, and amplify the impact of individual projects. In the current cycle, the network operates across 15 Brazilian states and 93 municipalities, strengthening approximately 50 conservation units and monitoring or protecting 32 threatened marine species. Over the years, more than 10 million people have been engaged in environmental education and awareness activities, and over 925 technical and scientific publications have been produced.
A recent cost-benefit analysis showed that for every R$1 invested by Petrobras in Biomar projects, an average of R$8 in environmental and social benefits was generated. In 2025, a perception survey was conducted in partnership with UNIFESP, which demonstrated that people familiar with Biomar Network projects show greater awareness and willingness to act for ocean health compared to the control group. These results reinforce key messages from the UN Decade of Ocean Science: science must be people-centered, long-term investment and rapid community engagement are essential, and high-level policies must be translated into concrete actions—boots on the ground.
Although Petrobras’ investment in these initiatives is voluntary, it is highly strategic for the company’s business. Most of Petrobras’ operations take place in the ocean, making the health of marine ecosystems directly relevant to the company’s sustainability and social license to operate. The Biomar Network exemplifies how sustained stakeholder engagement and strategic corporate support can deliver measurable outcomes for ocean conservation, biodiversity, and community empowerment. This case highlights the importance of continuity and diversity in investment, showing that long-term partnerships between companies and civil society are vital for achieving SDG 14 and the goals of the UN Decade of Ocean Science. The experience of Biomar offers actionable pathways for energy sector organizations seeking to contribute to a sustainable energy future for all.
Keywords: stakeholder engagement, ocean conservation, SDG 14, UN Decade of Ocean Science, long-term investment, Petrobras Socioenvironmental Program, Biomar Network, Brazil, civil society, environmental education, biodiversity
Petrobras coordinates the Biomar Network (Rede Biomar), a collaborative platform that brings together five nationally and internationally recognized marine conservation projects—Albatroz, Coral Vivo, Golfinho Rotador, Baleia Jubarte, and Meros do Brasil. These initiatives, proposed and carried out by civil society organizations, have an average of 32 years of existence, with Petrobras providing continuous support for up to 29 years.
Established in 2007, the Biomar Network was created to foster collaboration, knowledge exchange, and amplify the impact of individual projects. In the current cycle, the network operates across 15 Brazilian states and 93 municipalities, strengthening approximately 50 conservation units and monitoring or protecting 32 threatened marine species. Over the years, more than 10 million people have been engaged in environmental education and awareness activities, and over 925 technical and scientific publications have been produced.
A recent cost-benefit analysis showed that for every R$1 invested by Petrobras in Biomar projects, an average of R$8 in environmental and social benefits was generated. In 2025, a perception survey was conducted in partnership with UNIFESP, which demonstrated that people familiar with Biomar Network projects show greater awareness and willingness to act for ocean health compared to the control group. These results reinforce key messages from the UN Decade of Ocean Science: science must be people-centered, long-term investment and rapid community engagement are essential, and high-level policies must be translated into concrete actions—boots on the ground.
Although Petrobras’ investment in these initiatives is voluntary, it is highly strategic for the company’s business. Most of Petrobras’ operations take place in the ocean, making the health of marine ecosystems directly relevant to the company’s sustainability and social license to operate. The Biomar Network exemplifies how sustained stakeholder engagement and strategic corporate support can deliver measurable outcomes for ocean conservation, biodiversity, and community empowerment. This case highlights the importance of continuity and diversity in investment, showing that long-term partnerships between companies and civil society are vital for achieving SDG 14 and the goals of the UN Decade of Ocean Science. The experience of Biomar offers actionable pathways for energy sector organizations seeking to contribute to a sustainable energy future for all.
Keywords: stakeholder engagement, ocean conservation, SDG 14, UN Decade of Ocean Science, long-term investment, Petrobras Socioenvironmental Program, Biomar Network, Brazil, civil society, environmental education, biodiversity
