By Alexandra Dawe | Head of Marketing & Communications
Thank you for supporting forest restoration across the Atlantic Forest, one of the most biodiverse and threatened ecosystems on Earth. Through WeForest’s Wildlife Corridors program, your contributions are helping reconnect fragmented forests, protect endangered wildlife and create new opportunities for rural communities in Brazil and Argentina.
Across the landscape, restoration is not just about growing trees. It is about reconnecting habitats so wildlife can move freely again, restoring rivers and soils, and helping local communities build livelihoods that depend on healthy forests.
Pontal Wildlife Corridors, Brazil
In Brazil’s Pontal do Paranapanema region, restoration efforts continue to reconnect fragments of the Atlantic Forest, one of the world’s most endangered biodiversity hotspots. This year, restoration teams planted over 10,900 native seedlings representing 71 species across 11 hectares, while also reinforcing previously restored sites with additional plantings.
These forests are already delivering tangible ecological benefits. Monitoring shows that restoration is helping prevent more than 1,000 tonnes of sediment from entering local rivers each year, protecting water quality and downstream ecosystems. Across the project area, more than 1.7 million native trees are now growing, gradually stitching together wildlife corridors across the landscape.
The recovery of biodiversity is becoming increasingly visible. Camera traps and acoustic monitoring have recorded 17 mammal species and 79 bird species in restored areas, and recently the project celebrated an extraordinary milestone: the first recorded sighting of a jaguar in the project landscape.
Local communities remain central to the project’s success. Thirteen community nurseries and fifteen rural enterprises are now part of the restoration economy, producing seedlings and supporting planting activities. These initiatives have already generated nearly 1.8 million USD in local income, creating jobs while strengthening conservation efforts.
Tietê Forests Project, Brazil
Further east in Brazil, restoration is expanding across the Tietê watershed, where forest loss has degraded rivers, soils and agricultural landscapes.
During this reporting period, an additional 26 hectares were fully restored, bringing the total area under restoration to 400 hectares. Monitoring results show strong ecological progress across the sites. Even forests planted just one to three years ago already show more than 50% forest cover, with around 300 established trees per hectare and over 1,200 naturally regenerating native plants per hectare.
The project works closely with farming communities living in rural settlements across the watershed. Workshops organised with local partners have helped farmers better understand restoration practices and the legal framework that protects these landscapes. As knowledge spreads, community members are beginning to advocate for restoration themselves, encouraging neighbours to participate.
Agroforestry is also gaining momentum. Several farmers are now combining fruit trees with crops such as cassava, maize and pumpkin, creating productive landscapes that support both livelihoods and biodiversity. A group of farmers has already begun producing a diverse range of vegetables for local markets and public institutions, while maintaining healthy tree cover on their land.
Misiones Forest Restoration Project, Argentina
Across the border in Argentina’s Misiones Province, restoration efforts are focused on rebuilding critical wildlife corridors within the Atlantic Forest landscape.
In the past months, 58 hectares underwent enrichment planting, while 31 hectares were fully restored and 21 hectares converted to agroforestry systems that integrate trees into productive farmland.
The project is also expanding its reach within local communities. Thirty-eight new families joined the initiative this year, bringing their land into restoration activities and committing to sustainable land management practices.
Training remains a key element of the work. Workshops supporting native plant nurseries attracted 82 participants from 28 nurseries, strengthening the region’s capacity to produce native seedlings and scale restoration efforts across the landscape.
Alongside restoration, partners are collaborating with government agencies and conservation networks to develop management plans for important forest corridors, including the Cruce Caballero–Yabotí landscape. These efforts aim to secure long-term protection for forests that are critical for both biodiversity and local livelihoods.
Looking ahead
Across the Wildlife Corridors program, restoration continues to gain momentum. Over the coming months, new planting seasons will expand forest cover, while partnerships with communities, nurseries and local organisations will strengthen the long-term sustainability of these landscapes.
Every tree grown contributes to reconnecting habitats for wildlife, protecting water resources and creating opportunities for people who depend on healthy forests.
Thank you for helping bring these forests back to life.
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By Audrey Reisdorffer | Senior Communications Manager
By Gaetan Magrin | Sponsorships and Partnerships Coordinator
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