Testing and Scaling Innovative Reforestation Techniques

This experimental reforestation and revegetation project is led by MORFO in collaboration with the environmental organization Natureza Bela. Located in Santa Cruz Cabrália, it spans 55 hectares of degraded land, previously used for sugarcane cultivation.

Unlike our client-driven projects, PROTEX-BA serves as an innovation hub, where we test and refine large-scale restoration techniques. Here, we test what works in practice to restore forests at scale efficiently and sustainably.

Beyond its environmental impact, the project generates local employment opportunities, from seed collection to planting and long-term monitoring.

CHALLENGES

The project site, a former sugarcane plantation, was abandoned for 15 years with no vegetation recovery beyond sparse grass and grazing. Without intervention, it would likely remain degraded for another century. Key challenges include restoring soil fertility, managing invasive species like Brachiaria, and ensuring high survival rates despite climate unpredictability. The 2023 drought in southern Bahia tested the project’s resilience, proving the effectiveness of MORFO’s adaptive restoration techniques.

DEPLOYMENTS

The first planting phase in April 2023 covered 14 hectares using a mix of drone seeding and manual planting. Drones enabled rapid coverage, while manual planting by Natureza Bela focused on species needing extra care. Encapsulated seeds, enriched with nutrients, boosted early growth and survival. By November 2023, the remaining 41 hectares were planted, completing the 55-hectare project.

PROJECT MONITORING

Monitoring combines drone and satellite imagery every six months (later annually) with weekly on-the-ground assessments by a local partner. Scientific evaluations track germination, survival, growth, and species behavior. Initial results show an 80% success rate in ecological regeneration, well above the 50% typical of conventional methods.