ID: 1265

Brazil, wildlife corridors

Brazil’s Atlantic Forest has been reduced to green fragments due to agricultural expansion. It used to be 6 times the size of the United Kingdom, but it is now only a forest in name. Over the course of 20 years, it has lost over 80% of its original forest cover. No other large tropical forest has suffered this much loss, which has affected the rich biodiversity in the area. WeForest are working alongside IPÊ to restore the native forest, reconnect the second largest Protected Area in the Interior Atlantic Forest to the surrounding fragments, conserve biodiversity, promote economic development and build livelihood resilience. By reconnecting the Morro do Diabo State Park to the surrounding forest fragments, they’re creating more space and migration routes so that endangered species such as the black lion tamarins, jaguars, tapirs and macaws will thrive again. The project combines several restoration methods (i.e. assisted natural regeneration, framework species approach and farmer-assisted reforestation) which are chosen based on land ownership, level of degradation and the amounts of seeds present in the degraded soil. Agroforestry, yet another system, is also used when farmers are eager to directly improve their diet or increase their income. WeForest believe they will win this battle deforestation when people start making a living from restoring and protecting forests, and not from cutting the trees. Community-based nurseries around the restoration sites are run by local female entrepreneurs, and enable them to become financially independent. Transplanting the produced seedlings to the final planting site provides another opportunity for income: members of the Brazilian Landless Workers Movement (Movimento dos Trabalhadores Rurais Sem Terra) are hired, and learn valuable skills to finally make a decent living. Various training sessions in forestry techniques are also provided to the people of the community several times a year.

Planned actions

Protection of land/water

Management of land/water

Species management