Reforesting the Atlantic Rainforest of Brazil

The November rains have finally begun here in Rio de Janeiro, which means one thing for us in the Mata Atlantica: tree planting season has begun! 

We started the season with planting 100 seedlings of Jussara. Jussara is also known as the açai of the Mata Atlantica. It is famous for its superfood qualities and delicious taste in the form of ice cream. The jussara tree also produces a heart of palm, and for this reason it has been cut down in large numers and become highly endangered. In fact, it is a federal crime to cut a jussara tree. We have therefore included jussara as one of our principal fruit trees in our agroforest so we can protect this species. 

In our permaculture gardens, which have flourished since our last report, we are now adding the latest ring of the mandala which is made up of papaya trees. Due to good weather, restoration of the soil, and a whole lot of team work, our gardens have been highly productive, producing all sorts of vegetables such as lettuce, beets, carrots, kale, peppers, pumpkins, tomotoes, and eggplants. Check out a drone photo of the garden mandala!

With all the exciting progress we've been making in the gardens and agroforests, we have been able to share our knowledge with local landowners, community leaders, and government official through monthly courses. We have hosted 4 workshops on regenerative agriculture, agroforestry, and sustainable cooking, and impacted over 80 people from the region in our courses. 

Thanks to all our supporters for making this all possible.