PROJECT REPORT BRAZIL 2023 FORESTS4WATER
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT Dear friend, Thanks to your support, a total of 35,000 trees were planted to restore 14.4 hectares of land in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. Planting trees in areas that have been degraded or deforested helps the environment by accelerating and assuring the re-establishment of healthy forests. Through reforestation, the canopy is restored, ecosystems are made whole, and biodiversity can thrive. None of this would be possible without you. On behalf of everyone at One Tree Planted, thank you! What follows is a report outlining the project you supported in Brazil. I hope you enjoy reading it and truly feel the impact you have made.
OVERVIEW
Forests4Water is an ongoing project that focuses on restoring degraded areas and connecting forest fragments located in the Serra do Brigadeiro region in Minas Gerais, Brazil. This region is part of the Atlantic Forest biome, one of the most important hotspots for biodiversity in the world. The trees planted through this project connect forest fragments to the continuum of the Atlantic Forest reserve, the Serra do Brigadeiro, which is home to endangered and endemic species such as the woolly spider monkey. The project also provides a measure of environmental education and a source of extra income to local farmers, demonstrating that forest conservation is completely compatible with economic development.
TREES PLANTED 35,000
TREE SPECIES PLANTED 50+
FAMILIES BENEFITED 10
HECTARES REFORESTED 14.4
WOMEN INVOLVED 40 JOBS SUPPORTED 12 VOLUNTEERS INVOLVED 50
ACRES REFORESTED 35.6 THREATENED SPECIES BENEFITED 150 PEOPLE BENEFITED FROM TRAINING 40
ATLANTIC FOREST
RESTORATION By Laura Lucas Trujillo Project Manager, Brazil
Stretching along Brazil's entire eastern coast, the Atlantic Forest once covered a vast expanse but has now been dramatically reduced, with around 74% of its original vegetation lost to centuries of deforestation. Home to 60% of Brazil's population, this biome is a critical source of water, food, medicine, and climate regulation. It also holds deep cultural and heritage significance for Indigenous and local communities, preserving invaluable traditional knowledge. The Atlantic Forest is renowned for its rich array of endemic species, rivaling the Amazon Rainforest in biodiversity. However, this vibrant ecosystem faces threats from mining, agriculture, and urban expansion. This has lead to the endangerment of several iconic species, including the golden lion tamarin, the Brazilian woolly spider monkey, the southern muriqui, and the jaguar, among others. Therefore, the conservation of this biome is crucial not just for protecting its distinct biodiversity but also for securing the sustainability of local water resources and aiding in global climate change mitigation efforts.
YOUR IMPACT ON THE MAP Outlined in yellow, you will see the Atlantic Forest´s ecoregions, as denominated by WWF. The green pin is where your trees were planted!
ZOOMING INTO YOUR IMPACT Connecting fragments of an Atlantic Forest continuum is essential for preserving its remarkable biodiversity, enabling gene flow between isolated populations to increase genetic diversity and species resilience. This connectivity also expands habitats for numerous endemic and endangered species, bolstering their chances of survival. Moreover, it amplifies the forest's capacity for carbon sequestration, contributing significantly to climate change mitigation. The maintenance of ecosystem services, such as water purification, flood control, and soil stabilization, is another critical benefit, directly impacting human well-being.
Fig 1.
Fig 1. In dark green, see the Serra do Brigadeiro, an important Atlantic Forest protected area (left) and the area reforested in red (right). Click on Fig.1 to see an interactive project map of the areas reforested and their respective beneficiaries. This map was created by our planting partner!
TREE SPECIES PLANTED More than 50 native Atlantic Forest species were planted! The list below shows some of the main species:
MAIN SPECIES PLANTED Common Name - Species Name: Araçá-amarelo - Psidium cattleianum Araucária - Araucaria angustifolia Aroeira - Schinus terebinthifolius Barriguda ou Paineira - Ceiba speciosa Canafístula - Peltophorum dubium Caroba - Jacaranda cuspidifolia Cássia-grande - Cassia grandis Castanha-do-maranhão - Pachira glabra Cedro - Cedrela fissilis Cinco-folhas - Sparattosperma leucanthum Coco-jerivá - Syagrus romanzoffiana Embaúba - Cecropia sp. Ingá-do-brejo ou Ingá-de-quatro-quinas - Inga vera Ingá-feijão - Inga marginata Ipê-amarelo - Handroanthus albus Ipê-rosa - Tabebuia sp. Ipê-roxo - Handroanthus avellanedae Jacarandá-mimoso - Jacaranda mimosifolia D. Don Jatobá - Hymenaea courbaril Jenipapo - Genipa sp. Jequitiba-rosa - Cariniana estrellensis Jussara - Euterpe edulis Pata-de-vaca - Bauhinia sp. Pau-formiga - Triplaris americana Pau-sangue - Pterocarpus rohrii Pau-viola - Citharexylum myrianthum Sangue-de-drago ou Adrago - Croton urucurana Tamboril - Enterolobium contortisiliquum
PLANTING METHODOLOGY Over 50 species of Atlantic Forest seedlings were planted through this project. Tree species were carefully selected to recreate the natural conditions of surrounding forest fragments. The planting partner used a successional direct planting model, planting species from differing ecological niches. Pioneer species that are quick growing and tolerant to sunshine will provide shade to successional and climax species that take longer to grow. As a result, these trees will grow with minimum seedling mortality and become forests that replenish and protect water resources in the region.
A summary of the restoration process: While the trees are being raised in the nursery, the planters are busy identifying future planting sites. They collect data on existing forest cover and prepare the ground before the rains come, correcting soil acidity and digging the holes. Planting on steep mountain slopes assists in the infiltration of rainwater runoff, improving and protecting the water supply not only locally but also in the river basin, impacting a downstream population of 640,000 people. Once the rain sets in, the planters are out in all weather to get those young trees safely in the ground. Rain is great for young trees, but it's tough on the planters, and they often need a little help from the mules!.
MONITORING SMART FOREST PROGRAME
After the trees are planted, they require regular monitoring and maintenance: weeding, fertilizing, and replanting where necessary. This needs to be done two or three times in the first year, and at least twice in year two. In order to build up a complete picture of ecosystem health, our planting partner is creating a more robust monitoring program called ´Smart Forest´. They will monitor vegetation cover through physically measuring sample areas of trees, as well as drone-mounted photography and remote sensing. Protocols for continuous monitoring of soils and water are also in place. Data are collected in the field and uploaded to a Geographical Information System, which is web-based and freely available to everyone by clicking here. For biodiversity metrics, the presence of fauna will be monitored through the use of camera traps and bio-acoustic surveys. We will keep you updated, monitoring results will only be reported after the first year of planting!
DOCUMENTING YOUR IMPACT Through authentic and informative storytelling, we help donors relate to the people who plant their trees and to the impact they're making for the planet. We share photos, videos, and updates from our global projects across our social media, website, and other media to create a personal connection to the incredible work happening on the ground.
PHOTOS FROM YOUR PROJECT
BIODIVERSITY BENEFITS Following the implementation of the reforestation project within Serra do Brigadeiro State Park, substantial progress has been achieved towards environmental and biodiversity conservation goals. The establishment of a forest corridor has notably expanded the habitat for endangered species, particularly the Woolly Spider Monkey, enhancing their mobility and survival chances. This initiative has directly contributed to the preservation and potential growth of approximately 150 endangered species. Moreover, strategic reforestation of riparian and catchment areas has significantly improved water quality and resource protection, thereby supporting the local ecosystem's health and resilience. The efforts have enriched the park's biodiversity, safeguarding around 1,800 species of fauna and an estimated 2,000 species of pollinators, which are crucial for ecosystem balance. These achievements underscore the project's vital role in promoting environmental sustainability and biodiversity conservation, thanks to the generous support of our donors.
COMMUNITY
BENEFITS
Reforestation to protect water resources is a key part of our partner's work that has multiple benefits. It not only protects the water supply for domestic consumption, agriculture and power generation, it also helps raise rural living standards and provides income-generating opportunities and employment in the region. Furthermore, environmental education programs are offered to local kids, with the aim of educating more environmental leaders and educators. In conclusion, this initiative is an important step towards making sure that the local communities and downstream population of the Muriaé and Paraiba do Sul river basins are provided with clean and reliable water resources, as well as helping to improve living standards and create job opportunities.
FOREST THERAPIES
WOMEN-LED PROJECT FOR LOCAL WOMEN The Forest Therapies project by Iracambi focuses on enhancing the appreciation of the Atlantic Forest's intrinsic value through health and economic benefits of its native plants, while fostering alternative income avenues for local women. It aims to cultivate a regional bioeconomy that preserves the forest and supports the prosperity of its inhabitants. Led by Carla Mariana Faccina, the initiative offers workshops to women, teaching them about various plants and how to produce natural products like lip balms from essential oils, such as those extracted from the aroeira (Brazilian pink peppercorn). These activities not only educate on the traditional uses of these plants but also empower the women by providing them with skills to generate additional income. With efforts concentrated on research, education, and conservation, the project, running for over a year and engaging eight communities, highlights the economic potential of the forest's resources, promoting conservation and community welfare simultaneously.
U.N. SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS THIS PROJECT CONTRIBUTED TO THE FOLLOWING SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS:
WHAT ARE SDGS? Sustainable development entails seeking out solutions that not only boost the economic outcomes of developing and poorer nations, but also work to limit (or eliminate) our impact on the planet. Trees are one such solution. From creating jobs and reducing hunger to improving gender equality, cleaning air and water, absorbing carbon, protecting life on land and water, and more, planting trees can address all 17 sustainable development goals.
THE COLLABORATION WITH ONE TREE PLANTED HAS BEEN TRANSFORMATIVE FOR BOTH IRACAMBI AND OUR COMMUNITY. IT HAS REVEALED OUR POTENTIAL TO NOT ONLY BOOST OUR TREEPLANTING EFFORTS BUT ALSO HIGHLIGHTED THE COMMUNITY'S GROWING DESIRE TO EXPAND RESTORATION EFFORTS AND INCREASINGLY FOCUS ON WATER CONSERVATION IN OUR AREA.
"By planting trees in the Atlantic Forest, we can significantly protect biodiversity, restore vital watersheds, preserve our cultural heritage, and stimulate economic development for local communities. Your support has been instrumental in advancing these goals, fostering a vision for a sustainable and resilient future.Thank you for your support. We look forward to planting more trees with you soon!"
Laura Lucas Trujillo Brazil Project Manager