Brazil: Rio de Janeiro

To combat rising temperatures, Rio de Janeiro has implemented an innovative reforestation plan that began in January 2024. The city, known for its culture and natural beauty, faces challenges such as heat waves, flooding and landslides, making sustainable solutions more urgent than ever.

In partnership with MORFO, the city is running a reforestation project as part of the ReflorestaRio program, an initiative aimed at mitigating the effects of climate change by accelerating reforestation in hard-to-reach areas using artificial intelligence and drone technology.

The project was launched on July 5, 2024, with the first scattering of MORFO native species seeds in the Serra de Inhoaíba, in the presence of Mayor Eduardo Paes, Secretary for the Environment and Climate Eliana Cacique, and Deputy Secretary for Biodiversity Hélio Wanderley.

This project illustrates innovative approaches to urban reforestation, incorporating state-of-the-art technology to effectively address environmental challenges.

CHALLENGES

Difficult terrain: Steep slopes make it difficult to use traditional planting methods, requiring the use of drones for safe and efficient seed dispersal.

Extreme climate: High temperatures and extreme weather conditions pose a challenge to the growth and survival of new vegetation.

Biodiversity and soil health: Ensure the selection of appropriate native species that can thrive in the region's specific soil and climate conditions.