Instituto Terra implements forest restoration on Fazenda Bulcão, a former cattle ranch, and in surrounding areas of the Rio Doce Watershed in the municipality of Aimorés in Minas Gerais. After creating the “Private Reserve of Natural Heritage –RPPN”, planting of native tree seedlings, assisted natural regeneration, and later enrichment planting led to the restoration of 608 ha. By 2019, after 20 years of planting and maintenance, 297 native tree species thrive there along with 172 bird, 33 mammal, 15 amphibian, and 15 reptile species. In 2009 the RPPN was designated as an outpost of the Atlantic Forest Biosphere Reserve. The long-term, multidimensional engagement and many successful outcomes inspire others to bring forests, watersheds, and rural communities back to life. Restoration, educational and outreach programs engage local communities and farmers. Instituto Terra become a regional hub for restoration for the entire Rio Doce Valley and developed the capacity to produce over 1 million native tree seedlings a year and trained over 82,000 people.

Type of Case
Printed publication (book, sourcebook, journal article…)

Publisher
Forestoration International

Region
Americas

Biome
Tropical

Forest Type
Degraded forest

Primary Designated Function
Multiple use