By SOS Mata Atlantica Foundation | SOS Mata Atlantica Foundation
The Atlantic Forest is among the planet’s top five biodiversity hotspots. The biome is composed of a variety of rich ecosystems with high diversity, which have been severely threatened since the arrival of the Portuguese in South America in 1500.
It occupies 15% of the Brazilian territory, being present in 3,429 municipalities of 17 States of the country. 70% of the Brazilian population (145 million people) live in the Atlantic Forest, and most of the country’s urban areas and industries are located within it. The most of the Brazil’s population, economy, and food security depend on the Atlantic Forest’s ecosystem services. However, only 24% of the original forest cover is left in a highly fragmented landscape, and forests are heavily fragmented, with 97% smaller than fifty hectares.
The Foundation’s current strategy defines that the cause-based work will occur in a coordinated manner within a shared territory: the Tietê (São Paulo) and Paraíba do Sul water basins (São Paulo, Minas Gerais, and Rio de Janeiro). These areas, where the Foundation has historically operated, encompass the contemporary challenges of the biome: low forest coverage, high urban and population density, economic importance, intensive agricultural activity, and significant ecosystem service stress as water scarcity for multiple uses.
The territory encompasses 5.5 million hectares across 170 municipalities. The strategy includes the creation of new conservation units, restoration, partnerships with rural properties, businesses, and local governments, as well as the strengthening of public policies.
Restoration in these areas is necessary and will not occur spontaneously. Success in these territories could serve as a model for the conservation of other regions of the Atlantic Forest, other biomes in Brazil, and even worldwide.
Therefore, as a result of the donation, we planted native trees in this territory, protecting water basins, connecting fragments, and creating green corridors.
The donation of USD 2,194 through GlobalGiving contributes to planting 547 seedlings of native trees in the territory.
We are very thankful for your contribution and support in recovering the Atlantic Forest.
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