ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION

Encouraging environmental awareness both inside and outside the Company


The Gerdau Group develops projects in partnership with universities, the Brazilian Steel Institute (IBS) and the Brazilian Business Council for Sustainable Development (CEBDS). On the international level, the Group works with the International Iron and Steel Institute (IISI).

In 2003, environmental education events in the Northeastern, Southeastern and Southern regions of the country totaled 107,000 hours of training and involved 4,000 Gerdau professionals and 26,000 community members.

MAIN ACTIONS DEVELOPED IN THE COMMUNITIES

The Martim Pescador Educational Boat – São Leopoldo (state of Rio Grande do Sul)

With the objective of demonstrating to the community the river's importance to their quality of life, the Gerdau Group inaugurated an educational boat named after Martim Pescador. The vessel, developed in partnership with other entities and private companies, has the capacity to hold 70 students and functions as a floating classroom for environmental education in the Vale do Rio dos Sinos region. It is estimated that approximately 30,000 people will participate in the project during 2004, including students, teachers and the community in general.

The Germination Project – Ouro Branco (state of Minas Gerais)

In 2003, some 22,000 people participated in environmental awareness events. The project is carried out in partnership with institutions and governmental entities.

The Live Fish Project – Barão de Cocais (state of Minas Gerais)

An initiative of the Gerdau Group together with other entities, this project successfully re-populated the waters of the local São Miguel Creek with thousands of fish and aided in the restoration of the forested area surrounding the creek.

Selective Waste Collection – Divinópolis (state of Minas Gerais)

During recent years, the Gerdau Group has given lectures on recycling and selective waste collection to approximately 550 people, including Gerdau Divinópolis employees and collectors in the region. In 2004, the project will be extended to community schools.

Environmental Education at the Otaviano Silveira School – Sapucaia do Sul (state of Rio Grande do Sul)

Lectures on the environment, tree plantings, nature walks, selective waste collection and dramatic performances were some of the activities developed for this project, which involved the participation of some 600 people.

Eco-technology and the II Recycling Exhibit of the Federation of Industries of Paraná – Curitiba (state of Paraná)

Approximately 200 people visited the Gerdau Group's stand at the fair and obtained information on our environmental management system and industrial processes.

International Mangrove Conference – Salvador (state of Bahia)

The seminar brought together 1,000 people during five days to discuss the community's responsibility to preserve the environment of Todos os Santos Bay. The Gerdau Group sponsored the event together with other entities.

Education through Nature – Rio de Janeiro (state of Rio de Janeiro)

Carried out in partnership with companies and public and private entities, the project seeks to raise student and the community awareness about the importance of preserving the Tijuca Forest. In 2003, the program involved more than 500 children from 11 public schools located near the park.

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