Restoration route

A series of reports shows the routine of planting trees on a large scale and unveils
the complexity of restoring forest to the Atlantic Rainforest.

The journey covered 1,396 km across nine municipalities in the states of São Paulo (SP) and Minas Gerais (MG), in Brazil. Life stories and different realities of forest restoration in the Atlantic Rainforest. From the mobilization around faith in Aparecida do Norte (SP) to the demand for healthy food in Piranguçu (MG) or energy security in Promissão (SP), the expedition unveiled the world behind the profession of tree planting. Characters, often invisible, represent the production chain of an activity that multiplies as a solution against the global climate change emergency.

The reports show the saga of how to bring back the forest in the country's most devastated biome – a job carried out by Página 22, in partnership with the SOS Mata Atlântica Foundation, leading the Florestas do Futuro (Forests of the Future) program. The program turns twenty years-old in bridging the gap between those who donate seedlings and those who need to plant to restore nature – a growing demand in the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration.

Texts by Sérgio Adeodato, with photos by Juan Ribeiro.

ALL STORIES

Faith that restores mountains

Aparecida do Norte/Guaratinguetá (SP)

The Sanctuary of Aparecida is planting forests in its surrounding areas to ensure water safety for the tourist hub. These projects are paving the way for a new economic cycle in the Paraíba Valley, rooted in native trees.

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Tree factory

Lorena (SP)

The success of forest restoration starts with seed gathering and seedling cultivation, with the workforce playing an increasingly strategic role in the face of the planet's growing socio-environmental demands.

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A passion for restoration

Piranguçu (MG)

The entrepreneur venturing into the business of healthy living embarks on a mission to restore a forest that was once home to cattle, aligning goals that strengthen the brand and give purpose to new habits.

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The value of a coffee cup

São Sebastião da Grama (SP)

Farms in Vale da Grama, renowned for its high-quality coffee exports, have made forest restoration of the Atlantic Forest their market differentiator, aiming for productivity gains against climate change risks.

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Mangalarga horses, forest and water

Jaguariúna (SP)

Property gets a helping hand to restore its native vegetation and comply with forest laws, courtesy of tree seedlings provided as mandatory compensation for environmental impacts from projects in the state of São Paulo.

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Where jaguars quench their thirst

Promissão (SP)

Forest restoration efforts along the banks of the hydroelectric plant reservoir and its surrounding areas isn't just about ecology—it's a boon for local farmers, a buffer against climate risks to energy security, and a revival of biodiversity.

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Scale transformation

Itu (SP)

Forests of the Future, a trailblazer program in the restoration of the Atlantic Forest, celebrates 20 years of experience in seedling production, site prospecting, planting techniques, monitoring, and collaboration with farmers, businesses, and government.

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Restoration figures in the initiatives of SOS Mata Atlântica

2.158

Projects

44.607.320

Seedlings

24.762

Hectares

1.700

Benefited landowners

Faces of the chain

People who make a difference in the various links of forest restoration.

Ana Luísa Taschetto, Aparecida Sanctuary, Aparecida do Norte (SP)

"It is very important to reconnect children and their families with the Atlantic Forest where they live."

Diogo Dias, Recreio Farm, São Sebastião da Grama (SP)

"Producers can only benefit from maintaining preservation areas."

Douglas Pontes, Humus, Aparecida do Norte (SP)

"Without this new activity, I would be milking cows like many others in the region."

Leandro Farkuh, Floresta Bio2, Piranguçu (MG)

"The regeneration of nature inspires changes in attitudes and feelings."

Mariana Roseira, SOS Mata Atlântica, Itu (SP)

"A case of love with plants".

Mauri Roberto de Toledo, MR Ambiental, Jaguariúna (SP)

"Today's work compensates for what I did in the past. I choped down many century-old trees with the tractor, when the master ordered."

Suelen Joia, Atacadão Florestal tree nursery, Lorena (SP)

"For success in the nursery, it's necessary to be in connection with nature and to know that you contribute to the planet's climate."

Sônia Maria de Souza, Assentamento Dandara, Promissão (SP)

"There's a lack of information and awareness about the need to replenish trees and the impacts of climate change."

Roberto Cândido, SOS Mata Atlântica, Itu (SP)

"In addition to sun, rain, and long walks on steep terrain or marshes, there's always the risk of snake bites, ticks, and thorns."

Galery

MAKING OF

On the road trip through São Paulo and Minas Gerais, the teams from SOS Mata Atlântica and Página22 got their feet in the mud, climbed hills, walked along trails, endured a lot of sun, and dealt with ticks. For a week, they experienced the practical routine of those working with forest restoration in the biome. And they got to know the inspirations, expectations, and dreams of those embracing the challenge.

Click to enlarge the photos.