Caring for life also means caring for the planet. This is the purpose that drives the Pequeno Príncipe Complex, which has just launched its new Environmental Policy — a milestone in the consolidation of sustainable practices that unite Pequeno Príncipe Hospital, Pequeno Príncipe College, and the Pelé Pequeno Príncipe Research Institute.

The document reaffirms the institutional commitment to balancing health, development, and the environment. “Development is impossible without a balanced environment. We are going beyond carbon compensation, seeking to measure our demand on nature and promote balance through the purchase of biodiversity credits. If a philanthropic institution like Pequeno Príncipe can follow this path, companies with more resources can do so as well. We want to inspire by example,” highlighted José Álvaro da Silva Carneiro, secretary-general of the Dr. Raul Carneiro Hospital Association for Childhood Protection, maintainer of the Complex.

A commitment built by many hands

The new Environmental Policy was developed collaboratively, with the participation of representatives from the Complex’s three units. For Patricia Forte Rauli, general director of Pequeno Príncipe College, the document reflects the maturity of an institution that understands sustainability as part of its mission. “We will bring this purpose into the classrooms, inspiring our students and incorporating the environmental theme into our curricula. Training conscious professionals is an essential part of our educational role,” she reinforced.

An important step in this maturity is the LIFE Certification, which connects the Complex to biodiversity conservation. The deputy director of Infrastructure and Diagnostic Services of Pequeno Príncipe Hospital, Daisy Schwarz, explains that “this certification is a voluntary choice that translates into indicators what we already do spontaneously. Professionals from all areas, students, researchers, suppliers, and families play a fundamental role in this process,” she emphasized.

What lies ahead

Pequeno Príncipe is the first hospital in the world to pursue a biodiversity certification focused on conserving ecosystems and balancing human beings and nature. The process involves situational diagnosis, definition of indicators and goals, and environmental impact assessment — with an audit scheduled for September 2026.

Until then, the Complex will continue strengthening environmental management actions, team training, and the integration of sustainable practices in all areas. Among the initiatives already underway is the biodiversity conservation case of Pequeno Príncipe North, one of the largest green areas in Curitiba, which is undergoing a restoration process with the planting of native species and the removal of exotic ones, promoting ecological balance and the reduction of greenhouse gases.

“When the world gathers in Brazil to discuss environmental issues, we have a powerful tool at hand to act with purpose. We need to mobilize employees, doctors, patients and families, students, and researchers around this cause,” concluded José Álvaro.