This program contributes to regenerating abandoned pastureland, dominated by brachiaria and with a high incidence of soil erosion. In addition, the agroforestry and agroecological practices will improve soil cover conservation by adding biomass into the system, increasing organic matter and therefore, improving soil fertility. The shaded systems also correspond better to the natural conditions of native cocoa and other fruits, reducing the stress in plants, and in consequence, reducing the usage of pesticides or other chemicals.
The Atlantic Forest, also known as Mata Atlantica, once spanned 130 million hectares across Brazil. Now, this tropical rainforest ecosystem covers only about 12% of its original area and is home to more than half of the country’s population. Centuries of deforestation for timber, sugar cane, coffee, cattle ranching, and urban sprawl have contributed to its current state.
Location(s):
- Morro do Diablo State Park and the Black Lion Tamarin Ecological station, two core areas of the Upper Parana Atlantic Rainforest Biosphere Reserve
Project impacts and benefits:
- Protect & restore primary forests to stabilize the climate
- Conserve habitat for the Amazon Rainforest’s iconic wildlife species
- Provide sustainable livelihoods to local people through agroforestry
Species planted:
- 100 native species, including Gochnatia polymorpha, Guarea guidonea, Tapirira guianensis, Inga striata, Inga laurina, Inga uruguensis, Pera glabrata, Croton floribundus, Syagrus romanzoffiana, Acacia polyphylla, Terminalia glabrescens, Albizzia niopoides, Anadenanthera colubrina cebil.