Discover how we're working with local growers and partners to breathe new life into Brazil's precious forest landscapes and protect its rich biodiversity.
Sometimes the best way forward is to go back to nature. That's exactly what we're doing in Brazil, where we're collaborating with local communities and partners to restore over 335 hectares of protected forest areas - from national reserves to small farms. Through our Araucaria Connection Project in Paranà state, we're creating a network of thriving, biodiverse landscapes that benefit both nature and farming communities.
Our journey began in 2018 at the Piraí do Sul National Forest. There, we took on an ambitious challenge: replacing 35 hectares of pine trees with indigenous species to restore the natural landscape. But we didn't stop there - we also trained 33 local college students in ecological restoration, building expertise for the future.
The primary goal of the project was to recover native vegetation, which in turn protects water resources, maintains soil quality, and helps restore species diversity, including rare and endangered species. This holistic approach not only benefits the environment and future generations but also enhances the productivity of local crops.
The project employs advanced restoration techniques to rehabilitate Areas of Permanent Protection and Conservation Units.
By restoring natural remnants, riparian forests, hilltops, springs, watersheds, and other natural elements, the ecosystem gradually regains its native vegetation, leading to a more balanced and sustainable environment.
A key aspect of the project is the active involvement of our growers. Through guidance, training, and empowerment, they become protagonists of the restoration. This strengthens their relationship with partner organizations such as the Society for Wildlife Research and Environmental Education (SPVS), or the National Bank for Socio-Economic Development (BNDES), and adds value to their products and services.
Our ambitious goal? To restore 335 hectares of forest in Paraná state. We're already seeing impressive results in terms of forest restoration:
46.5 hectares in the Piraí do Sul National Forest, 11.5 hectares above the initial target (2018)
10 hectares in the Salto da Pedreira Environmental Park, under careful monitoring by our partner, the SPVS (2020)
195+ hectares across 200 small farms in permanent preservation areas, with 140,000 seedlings of native species planted, and 200,000 meters of protective fences installed (2020)
May 2023 marked a significant milestone: the successful completion of our Meia Lua Natural Reserve restoration project in Ponta Grossa. This 75-hectare project passed a rigorous audit by our funding partner, the National Bank for Socio-Economic Development, showing what's possible when organizations work together for nature.
The Araucaria Connection Project demonstrates the effectiveness of ecological restoration and community collaboration. It creates a sustainable and thriving environment for both nature and agriculture.