This project re-established ecological forest corridors that protect critically endangered species and restore biodiversity and habitat.

SAO PAULO

PLANTING PARTNER

WeForest and local partner Instituto de Pesquisas Ecológicas (IPÊ)

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Teodoro Sampaio, Sao Paulo State, Brazil

TreeSisters concluded funding this project, located in the region of Pontal do Paranapanema, in late 2022. It supported the restoration of forest corridors between remaining patches of highly-fragmented Atlantic rainforests. Despite only 8% of the original forest cover remaining in the area (and only 3% in Pontal do Paranapanema), the Atlantic rainforest remains one of the most biodiverse regions on Earth. This project directly supports the migration and conservation of critically endangered species, including one of South America's most majestic species: the jaguar, and offers massive potential in carbon sequestration and combatting climate change.

IMPACTS.

4205370_ecology_eco_tree_organic_nature_

268

Hectares of forest

Only 8% of the original forest cover remains

4205373_nature_eco_ecology_organic_solar

565,373

Trees planted

LOCAL IMPACT.

By working with local partner Instituto de Pesquisas Ecológicas, the project employs members of Movimento dos Trabalhadores Sem Terra (Landless Workers’ Movement) to plant trees. Locals are trained to establish their own nurseries and in restoration techniques (with 4 out of 10 nurseries managed by women). 70% of the restoration is taking place on private farmland and 30% in settlements so farmers play a key role in this reforestation project. Farmers are trained in sustainable restoration and forest management and commit to contributing to the restoration and maintenance of regenerated forests. The regenerated forests will be registered as Legal Forest Reserves or Areas of Permanent Protection (APP) for freshwater, protecting them from further degradation.

Eden Reforestation Projects image of worker in West Papaua

IMPACT ON NATURE.

The Atlantic Forest of Brazil is one of the most endangered rainforests in the world. The Atlantic forest was identified in the Global 200 most outstanding ecoregions, representing the full range of the Earth's diverse terrestrial, freshwater, and marine habitats. As such, the area has exceptionally high levels of biodiversity. It is home to many species found nowhere else in the world, with endangered black lion-tamarin monkeys, ‘seven-coloured tanager’ birds, jaguars, and giant anteaters, among many others calling the area home. The region has suffered extreme deforestation, with only 8% of the Atlantic Forest remaining. This forest loss is not only a problem for the climate and carbon sequestration but also the many species at risk of extinction due to habitat destruction.

PROJECT IMPACT.

The habitats of the Atlantic forest of eastern Brazil provide vital green corridors for several animals and over 100 species of trees. WeForest is working with local partner Instituto de Pesquisas Ecológicas (IPÊ) and a network of farms and tree nurseries to re-connect the Morro do Diablo State Park to the Iguaçu National Park. While TreeSisters no longer support this project as other WeForest projects more closely aligned with our Green Cover Strategy, WeForest continues to work in the region, replenishing this fragmented area into a thriving forest again.