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Project name : Mata Atlântica World Biosphere Reserve Country : Brazil Type : Solidarity planet program

Restoration of the World Biosphere Reserve

Location:

Several areas on the Atlantic Coast of Brazil.

Type of project:

Ecosolidaire® Reforestation – carbon sink.

First program implemented by EcoAct: March 2006

Background:

The “Atlântica” tropical forest stretches along the Atlantic Coast of Brazil, up to the border of Argentina. Declared “World Biosphere Reserve” by the UNESCO, it is constituted of 20,000 species of trees, 8,000 of which are endemic. It is located in the region where one of the biggest environmental disasters happened in Brazil. The intensive exploitation of the Mata Atlântica forest’s soils that went on for five centuries, has had devastating effects on what was once one of the world’s largest tropical forests. The forest now covers only 7% of its original surface, and many of its species are becoming extinct. The creation of local economic activities aiming at its safeguard is thus vital.

Description:

The aim of this project is to recreate the Mata Atlântica forest’s ecosystems by reforesting several targeted areas, in consultation with authorities and local associations. In order to preserve this place’s biodiversity, native species of trees were planted. Thanks to the creation of a tree nursery employing people in a precarious situation, the program aims at creating economic activities with the purpose of restoring the forest’s ecosystem, while providing local communities with an alternative to working in forest concessions or in intensive soybean farming. It is driven by a long-term vision, not by short-term profitability.
40 different species are planted, in conformity with the laws in force in the state of Sao Paulo, including a mix of several species (pioneers, precocious secondaries, late secondaries and climacic), the size of which will be between 4 and 60 m when mature. The fast-growth species will reach sizes of about 3m after a year, the slow-growth species about 50cm.

Capacity:

2,000,000 trees

Number of species: 40

Project benefits:

Environmental benefits:

• Fight against global warming by creating and maintaining a carbon sink.
• Preservation of biodiversity by planting native species according to laws in force in the state of Sao Paulo.
• Preservation of the water resources, protection against pollution risks and fight against soils erosion.

Economic and social benefits:

• Involvement of local communities in the project in order to improve their living conditions: they do not have to choose short-term profitable projects (soybean) to survive any more.
• Creation of tree nurseries managed by local communities: 5 jobs have been created to date.

EcoAct Guaranties:

• Exclusive partnership agreement signed with the Brazilian Mata Ciliar association, specialized in reforestation programs, awareness raising in schools and reintroduction of animal species in the Mata Atlântica forest.
• Plantation, irrigation and follow-up ensured for 20 years.
• Presence of an EcoAct branch in Brazil, capable of ensuring a regular follow-up of the project and of its social and environmental impact.
• Last visit on reforestation sites: November 2009.

This program supports UNEP's campaign "Plant for the Planet".

For more information, please contact us.