This project restores degraded land in Brazil's Atlantic Forest while creating income opportunities for underserved communities in the Guanabara Bay watershed, Rio de Janeiro. Through native tree planting, agroforestry, and hands-on environmental education delivered through our ecosystem restoration school, we protect biodiversity, strengthen climate resilience, and foster long-term stewardship - reconnecting people with nature as a pathway to regeneration.
Brazil's Atlantic Forest is one of the most biodiverse ecosystems on Earth - and one of the most endangered. Today, less than 12% of its original cover remains. This forest provides water to nearly 70% of Brazil's population, yet decades of deforestation and degradation have compromised ecosystems, biodiversity, and climate stability. These environmental challenges are deeply intertwined with social vulnerability, inequality, and food insecurity.
At Sinal do Vale, we believe restoring forests is not only about planting trees - it is about restoring relationships between people and land. Our approach combines ecological restoration with community empowerment: Planting and maintaining native Atlantic Forest species; restoring degraded land and supporting natural regeneration; applying agroforestry practices; training youth and local communities through our ecosystem restoration school; establishing agroforestry initiatives.
Out integrated approach helps ensure that restoration efforts are long-lasting and locally rooted. Healthy forests help to: Protect water sources; support biodiversity and wildlife habitats; provide food security ; reduce erosion and environmental risks. What we have done so far: 100,000+ native trees planted; 50,000 native seedlings produced; 110 km of community-based eco-trails developed; 16,000+ tons of carbon captured; 210 farmers trained in agroforestry and regenerative agriculture.
This project has provided additional documentation in a PDF file (projdoc.pdf).
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