Apr 07, 2006. /Lesprom Network/. Aracruz Celulose will appeal a fine applied April 3 by the Brazilian Environmental and Natural Renewable Resources Institute (IBAMA). The fine was issued under the allegation that the company established a eucalyptus plantation on a 202.92-hectare plot of land located in the buffer zone of the National Discovery Park in the municipality of Prado (Bahia), without previous IBAMA authorization. The Environmental Resources Center (CRA/SEMARH) licensed the plantation in question and, before the licensing process for the project was initiated, Aracruz requested authorization for changing the land use and authorization as a legal reserve from IBAMA/Salvador. This agency transferred the jurisdiction for deciding upon the authorization to its office in Teixeira de Freitas (BA). Because it is a small area, under the 300 hectares defined by current environmental legislation as eligible for dispensation from environmental licensing, IBAMA’s office in Teixeira de Freitas ratified this understanding in the opinion it issued, declaring the inexistence of any damage regarding the execution of the activity that was intended and stating in its written opinion that this activity would not cause any damage to the biota of that particular Conservation Unit (the National Discovery Park). IBAMA sent a copy of the process to the head of the Park, for informational purposes only, as stated in the technical opinion. Aracruz clarifies that the land in question has been licensed and that Ibama is aware of the process. Aracruz Celulose is the world's leading producer of bleached eucalyptus pulp. Aracruz's forestry operations are situated in the states of Espнrito Santo, Bahia, Minas Gerais and Rio Grande do Sul.