Local communities and partners participate in the recovery of degraded areas.
Forest restoration in the Doce River basin is progressing with the support of communities and partners, who work to collect seeds and produce native Atlantic Forest seedlings. The project aims to recover degraded areas in Minas Gerais and Espírito Santo, promote the restoration of vegetation and the preservation of the water sources that supply the region.
The initiative is part of the Doce River Seed and Seedling Network , formed by 53 collection centers in quilombola and indigenous communities, agrarian reform settlements, NGOs and conservation units. More than 1,300 collectors received technical training and inputs for their work, promoting environmental recovery and generating a positive socioeconomic impact.
Importance of the initiative
Seed collection and seedling production are essential to restore Permanent Preservation Areas (APP) and springs, which are crucial for water recharge in the basin. The seeds undergo technical analysis before being used directly in reforestation or sent to partner nurseries for seedling production.
With the support of 10 nurseries in Minas Gerais and Espírito Santo, the project has significantly increased seedling production. Furthermore, the process generates economic opportunities for communities, with the commercialization of non-timber forest products, such as seeds, used for crafts and medicines.
Next steps
Forest restoration in the Doce River basin continues at a steady pace, with the goal of recovering 40 thousand hectares of native forests and 5 thousand springs by 2030. Rural producers from 89 municipalities can register for the Rural Producers Adherence RFP, which remains open.
Farmers who undertake to restore areas of their property, especially springs and water sources, are financially rewarded. To date, R$11.05 million has been paid to rural producers in the Doce River basin for the recovery of springs and APPs.