Capacity building in forest restoration: integrated biodiversity and climate protection in the Mata Atlântica

The Challenge

The Replântica Project addresses two of today’s main environmental challenges: biodiversity loss and climate change, both exacerbated by the degradation and fragmentation of the Atlantic Forest. Its main challenge is to strengthen the capacity of public and private organizations, civil society organizations, landowners, the academic community, and local communities to work collaboratively on the restoration of degraded landscapes and ecosystems.

The Solution

The project aims to strengthen climate protection, biodiversity conservation, and ecosystem services by building capacity in forest restoration and promoting partnerships among different target groups, including landowners, civil society organizations, university students, public institutions, women, and members of local communities. It also encourages the creation of collaborative networks capable of expanding Atlantic Forest restoration and conservation initiatives. The project is particularly relevant because it operates in a strategic region of the Atlantic Forest, connecting people, institutions, and knowledge so that forest restoration can be carried out at a larger scale and generate lasting environmental, social, and economic benefits.

Key Results

Implementation of 16 training sessions on forest restoration and one additional course on composting;
Engagement of approximately 500 people through training activities and network-strengthening initiatives, considering participants who completed the course or event and received a certificate;
Establishment of more than 25 partnerships through the matchmaking initiative, connecting landowners, civil society organizations, public institutions, and researchers to drive forest restoration initiatives;
Consolidation of a women’s leadership network, created through the Raízes que Lideram (Roots that Lead) event, to strengthen the production of non-timber forest products, promote sustainable income generation, and expand women’s leadership in Atlantic Forest restoration.

Where We Work

The project is implemented in Cachoeiras de Macacu, in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Why It Matters for Brazil

As one of the most biodiverse countries in the world, Brazil continues to face significant pressure on its tropical forests due to degradation, habitat fragmentation, and a lack of public policies that incentivize forest restoration. The Replântica Project contributes to strengthening a culture of ecological restoration and nature conservation. In addition to building local capacities, it connects different stakeholders and encourages the development of long-term partnerships among the public sector, civil society organizations, landowners, and local communities. As a result, it strengthens the conditions needed to scale up forest restoration initiatives, protect biodiversity, increase climate resilience, and promote a cultural shift toward valuing ecosystem services and forest conservation.