Restoring degraded land is a crucial aspect of solving environmental challenges, and organizations like Natureza Bela Environmental Group are at the forefront of this mission. Founded in 2011, Natureza Bela has a strong commitment to forest restoration and community engagement, with the aim of promoting citizenship and ecological well-being. In an exclusive interview for MORFO's white paper The Future of Reforestation Carbon Credits, José Júnior provides insights into their organization's mission, their impactful projects, and the role of carbon credits in reforestation.
Can you introduce yourself?
My name is José Francisco Azevedo Júnior. I work as a Biology professor in Bahia, and I also hold the role of an Environmental and Water Resources Specialist at the Bahia State Environmental Secretariat. I am responsible for managing the Caraíva/Trancoso Environmental Protection Area in Porto Seguro.
I earned my degree in Biological Sciences from the University of Santa Úrsula in 1991. In 2003, I further specialized in Environmental Management in Agricultural Systems and Higher Education Methodology at UFLA.
Can you give a brief overview of your organization and the specific projects you have undertaken to restore degraded land?
Natureza Bela has been engaged in forest restoration actions involving communities and promoting citizenship since its foundation in 2011 (as outlined in our mission). Over these 22 years, we have already restored approximately 2,000 hectares and produced/planted 2 million seedlings of native species from the Atlantic Forest. It is estimated that by the year 2024, we will be able to plant 1 million new seedlings.
Can you explain how your reforestation initiatives contribute to the long-term restoration of forest ecosystems?
The purpose of our reforestation actions is always to ensure that the planted seedlings develop into biodiverse and healthy native forests, thereby expanding forest cover in the region in the long term.
Are any of your forest restoration projects eligible for carbon credits?
They are currently being certified by VERRA.
What’s the impact of a higher (or lower) price of the carbon credits on your organization and on the reforested lands in Brazil?
The high costs of restoration and the need to expand the scale of restoration can be balanced by involving financial agents through the carbon market in the regional forest restoration chain. It is also necessary to explore financial means that can fund the maintenance of standing forests, both in the Atlantic Forest (REDD+) and through payments for environmental services.
What is your general opinion of the carbon credit system in relation to reforestation efforts?
Unfortunately, restoration costs are too high for rural landowners to bear. In this context, the carbon market allows others to finance this restoration, benefiting all parties involved (landowners, financers and executors).
What measures or systems are in place to monitor and verify the impact of your restoration efforts?
The restoration actions follow the premises established by the Atlantic Forest Conservation Pact, which can be verified over time through external monitoring or agreements between parties.
What measures do you take to ensure that projects include sensitive communities and respect their rights and local knowledge?
Restoration actions carried out by Natureza Bela always involve social actors from nearby or directly affected communities, through training, hiring, and donations of goods and services. We strictly adhere to the Convention 169 of the International Labour Organization, as well as all national legislation governing this subject.
What's needed to prevent local resistance to a reforestation project?
To prevent resistance from local populations against a reforestation project, fostering ongoing dialogue and providing environmental education are key. These actions promote understanding, engage the community, and demonstrate the project's commitment to mutual benefits.
