Forests4Water Brazil: Community Climate Action

Good afternoon, dear donors,

Time is flying by, and we are well into our preparation for the 2021 planting season. Old timers are telling us to expect an early start to the rains, (connected with the deafening chorus of some varieties of thrush,) and, in any case, it´s never too early to be visiting local properties, explaining how the project works and clarifying expectations about exactly what we offer and what we expect from our partners!

Here´s a quick headsup to remind you. We define the priority restoration areas, collect and upload data on the property, take soil samples, discuss the most appropriate mix of species for each property – depending on soils, vegetation, sun, shade, distance from existing forest patches and farmer´s preference – work alongside the farmers to clear the weeds, prepare the ground, dig the holes and apply organic fertilizer, plant, monitor and provide two years’ maintenance, along with replanting in the case of seedling loss (usually in the region of 10 - 12%.) The farmers' commitment is to fence off the reforestry area, to help in every stage of the process, monitor the progress of the young trees and help with the maintenance.

For some time we have been investigating the possibility of Payment for Environmental Services, whereby farmers receive regular cash payments for the ecosystem services they provide through reforesting areas of their farms, and we have recently been encouraged to learn of a large-scale program to reforest 1.5 million hectares in the Mantiqueira mountain range in the states of Rio, São Paulo and Minas Gerais. Its objective is to help Brazil fulfil its commitment to the Paris Accord, as well as implementing an integrated climate mitigation strategy, assuring water to the urban areas of Rio and São Paulo, and providing incentives to landowners to restore forest areas on their property.

In past years the highly strategic Serra do Brigadeiro has been excluded from Atlantic Forest initiatives, and we are delighted to discover that now we are finally part of this program. Stay tuned while we learn more – we'll be sure to update you!

So this good news (amidst a deafening chorus of birdsong,) comes with a big thank you for your unfailing support. We couldn't do what we do without your help!

With love and so many thanks from the Iracambi forestry team

PS. Another quick headline. Remember our on-farm forest nurseries? We're working with local women to help them become the leading proponents of the project, caring for the young seedlings and then selling them as an extra income source. More soon on this!