Brazil: Fazenda das Palmas

This 18-hectare reforestation and carbon project is being carried out in collaboration with ITPA. It aims to restore the Mata Atlântica tropical oceanic biome on the land of Fazenda das Palmas, in the municipality of Vassouras, Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil. The land was formerly a sugarcane farm cleared long ago, most likely before 1985. The area remains abandoned, covered with small shrubs, along with invasive and non-invasive grasses.

We are restoring this forest by re-establishing biodiversity and restoring biological corridors. We have identified the surrounding villages and plan to enter into discussions with them about our project. This restoration will not only facilitate activities such as hunting and fruit gathering, but will also benefit local seed networks, providing a source of seeds for various other projects.

Given the slopes on the project site, it is crucial to manage activity within the boundaries of the conceded lands. We must ensure that our activities do not encroach on neighbor lands, respecting boundaries defined to maintain a harmonious relationship with local communities.

Araribá seeds planted at Fazenda das Palmas in October 2023. Credit: Will Thaw.

The project has three significant impacts on the local population:

Employment opportunities

This project is a source of employment for seed suppliers, particularly those with few customers for forest seeds (mainly seedlings). It also generates jobs for those involved in planting and supervising the project in collaboration with ITPA.

Direct impact on local communities

This project has a direct impact on the lives of the people living in the area. It will lead to increased biodiversity, mark the return of wild animals, improve water quality and quantity and increase soil fertility, thus positively influencing the local ecosystem and livelihoods.

Mitigating slope-related risks

Located on slopes, the lack of vegetation poses an erosion risk. Through planting activities, this project aims to reduce this risk by stabilizing the soil and mitigating potential soil erosion hazards, preventing landslides and protecting the local community and infrastructure.

Seeds planted at Fazenda das Palmas in October 2023. Credit: Will Thaw.

CHALLENGES

The terrain is hilly with steep slopes. There is a former eucalyptus farm with trees still standing and invasive species present on the site.

DEPLOYMENTS

The first planting took place between October 29 and November 4. A second planting is planned a year later.

ITPA is involved in preparing the land for the project and manually planting 5 hectares with seedlings. Sentinel, an advanced drone imaging system, will be used to monitor the terrain and provide comprehensive visual data.