Atlantic Forest is declared UN World Restoration Flagship
dezembro, 13 2022
Announcement took place during Ecosystem Restoration Day at COP15 to the Convention on Biological Diversity in Canada
The United Nations has recognized the Trinacional Atlantic Forest Pact restoration work as one of the most promising and relevant in the world, declaring it one of the 10 World Restoration Flagships of the UN Decade of Ecosystem Restoration. The work is led by the Atlantic Forest Restoration Pact and the Trinational Alliance for the Restoration of the Atlantic Forest, which has organizations from Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay. The announcement was made on Tuesday (13) during the 15th Conference of the Parties to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (COP15), held in Montreal, Canada.With the goal of restoring 15 million hectares by 2050, the PACT is a multisectoral coalition that brings together over 300 organizations to restore the Atlantic Forest. The Trinational Alliance for the Restoration of the Atlantic Forest is a transboundary movement that covers the Upper Paraná Trinational Ecoregion in Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay, with more than 60 organizations. The members of the two collectives have more than 30 years of experience in restoration under different socioeconomic and ecological contexts.
The nomination recognizes restoration as an activity that goes beyond planting trees, also promoting multiple benefits for nature and people, and capable of generating work and income. “Restoration is an inclusive system that works in a diverse and long-term manner, involving several institutions. And we work with direct joint collaborations in the territories in which each actor plays crucial roles to carry out projects, respecting the local contexts and involving traditional communities and female empowerment. Restoring is much more than planting trees, it is a commitment made to the quality of life of thousands of people", says Taruhim Quadros, representative of the Trinational Alliance for the Restoration of the Atlantic Forest.
A ação trinacional é um diferencial na nossa forma de trabalhar, é com essa construção multiinstitucional aliada a várias organizações que temos tido importantes resultados e avanços nos últimos anos. Para poder conduzir e propiciar verdadeiros processos de conservação e restauração da Mata Atlântica, nossa selva missioneira, é fundamental que as comunidades locais estejam informadas e envolvidas. São elas e eles os verdadeiros agentes da mudança”, comenta Lazzari.
For Lucía Lazzari, one of the representatives of the Trinational Network for the Restoration of the Atlantic Forest in Argentina, the nomination for World Restoration Flagship is an acknowledgement of many years of work. "It is a gateway to new opportunities that allow us to enhance the restoration of the Atlantic Forest and generate more benefits. The Trinacional actions is a differential in our way of working, it is with this multi-institutional construction combined with several organizations that we have had important results and advances in recent years. In order to be able to conduct and promote true processes of conservation and restoration of the Atlantic Forest, it is essential that local communities are informed and involved. They are the true agents of change", comments Lazzari.
According to Alex Fernando Mendes, executive secretary of the Atlantic Forest Restoration Pact, "the movement helps to disseminate restoration on a large scale while connecting initiatives and sharing knowledge. Thus, by 2030, we’ll have 1 million hectares of the Atlantic Forest restored or in the process of restoration, working in a decentralized way and in the preparation of reference documents", he comments.
“World over, our forests are under siege.” said UNEP Executive Director Inger Andersen. “The restoration of the Atlantic Forest through engaging local communities is a powerful reminder that nature can heal when given half a chance and deliver tremendous benefits in the process.”
Restoration initiatives in the Atlantic Forest also promote the conservation of species, increase the connectivity of landscapes, improve water supply, stimulate environmental education, engagement and well-being of local communities and social benefits. Both collectives also bring initiatives aimed at fundraising, monitoring the quality of restored forests, as well as building partnerships for large-scale and long-term restoration.
Qu Dongyu, Director General of the FAO, said: “FAO, together with UNEP, as co-lead of the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, is pleased to award the 10 most ambitious, visionary and promising ecosystem restoration initiatives as 2022 World Restoration Flagships. Inspired by these flagships, we can learn to restore our ecosystems for better production, better nutrition, a better environment and a better life for all, leaving no one behind.”
The world restoration flagship awards are part of the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration. Countries have already promised to restore 1 billion hectares – an area larger than China – as part of their commitments to the Paris climate agreement, the Aichi targets for biodiversity, the Land Degradation Neutrality targets and the Bonn Challenge. However, little is known about the progress or quality of this restoration. Progress of all 10 World Restoration Flagships will be transparently monitored through the Framework for Ecosystem Restoration Monitoring, the UN Decade’s platform for keeping track of global restoration efforts.
The world restoration flagship awards are part of the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration. Countries have already promised to restore 1 billion hectares – an area larger than China – as part of their commitments to the Paris climate agreement, the Aichi targets for biodiversity, the Land Degradation Neutrality targets and the Bonn Challenge. However, little is known about the progress or quality of this restoration. Progress of all 10 World Restoration Flagships will be transparently monitored through the Framework for Ecosystem Restoration Monitoring, the UN Decade’s platform for keeping track of global restoration efforts.
Nomination
For the World Restoration Flagship nomination, the UN created a special committee composed of scientists and researchers from FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations) and IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature). The final decision was confirmed by the leading agencies of the UN Decade, UNEP (United Nations Environment Programme) and FAO. More than 20 evaluation criteria were considered, such as: involvement of local communities in decision-making, creation of coalitions, contribution to international agreements for reduction of emissions, growth potential and replicability, among others.
Around the world, there were 156 proposals for the title of World Restoration Flagship, which together represent over 96 million hectares restored and with the potential to generate more than 1.5 million green jobs.
In addition to the Atlantic Forest initiative, initiatives in Africa, Oceania, Central America, the Middle East and Asia were also nominated for World Restoration Flagship. The complete list is available on the website: https://www.decadeonrestoration.org
Around the world, there were 156 proposals for the title of World Restoration Flagship, which together represent over 96 million hectares restored and with the potential to generate more than 1.5 million green jobs.
In addition to the Atlantic Forest initiative, initiatives in Africa, Oceania, Central America, the Middle East and Asia were also nominated for World Restoration Flagship. The complete list is available on the website: https://www.decadeonrestoration.org
20 years of work for the Atlantic Forest
One of the more than 15 regional units of the Atlantic Forest Restoration Pact is the Copaíba Environmental Association, located in the region of Socorro (SP). The institution was founded over 20 years ago by a group of young people and today has its own nursery capable of producing up to 700,000 seedlings per year and operating in 19 municipalities in the eastern region of the state of São Paulo, fueling the local economy and transforming the landscape.
"Restoration contributes so that we can maintain and guarantee basic food, energy and water security that directly reflect the economic security of our planet. And that shows the need for public policies to support such initiatives to expand the restoration scale", says Flávia Balderi, executive secretary of Copaíba.
Ellen Souza is part of a growing group of producers who try to maintain environmental balance to add value to their products. It is the fifth generation ahead of a 50-hectare property in Socorro that produces banana, avocado, eucalyptus and coffee. Since 2020, the farm has received direct support from Copaíba for the restoration and reconstitution of native areas.
The owner relates her production to the restoration of the forest landscape. "I believe that the greater the balance, the better the crop, the lower the incidence of pests and diseases, the less the use of pesticides, the more the diversity and harmony in planting. And that impacts the natural flavor of the grain. Those who buy our product acknowledge all the work we do", she says. Far beyond that, it's our way of contributing to a legacy of a better future for my daughter, my family. To combat the climate changes that already affect us. I know my contribution is very small, but if each one does their part, we'll make a big difference in the world", she says.
“The Atlantic Forest is home to more than 70% of the Brazilian population, its rivers provide water to most of the largest cities in the country and to the largest population concentration in South America, the metropolitan region of São Paulo. This announcement is a recognition of the unique role that this biome plays not only in terms of ecosystem services, but also for the economy and for the people", says Julie Messias da Silva, Secretary of Biodiversity at the Brazilian Ministry of the Environment. Victor Kreimer, Minister of Ecology and Renewable Natural Resources of Misiones, Argentina, states that “biodiversity, like the jaguar, does not acknowledge geopolitical boundaries. Cross-border efforts, trinational in our case, are essential to deliver positive impact and sustainability in our actions”.
"Restoration contributes so that we can maintain and guarantee basic food, energy and water security that directly reflect the economic security of our planet. And that shows the need for public policies to support such initiatives to expand the restoration scale", says Flávia Balderi, executive secretary of Copaíba.
Ellen Souza is part of a growing group of producers who try to maintain environmental balance to add value to their products. It is the fifth generation ahead of a 50-hectare property in Socorro that produces banana, avocado, eucalyptus and coffee. Since 2020, the farm has received direct support from Copaíba for the restoration and reconstitution of native areas.
The owner relates her production to the restoration of the forest landscape. "I believe that the greater the balance, the better the crop, the lower the incidence of pests and diseases, the less the use of pesticides, the more the diversity and harmony in planting. And that impacts the natural flavor of the grain. Those who buy our product acknowledge all the work we do", she says. Far beyond that, it's our way of contributing to a legacy of a better future for my daughter, my family. To combat the climate changes that already affect us. I know my contribution is very small, but if each one does their part, we'll make a big difference in the world", she says.
“The Atlantic Forest is home to more than 70% of the Brazilian population, its rivers provide water to most of the largest cities in the country and to the largest population concentration in South America, the metropolitan region of São Paulo. This announcement is a recognition of the unique role that this biome plays not only in terms of ecosystem services, but also for the economy and for the people", says Julie Messias da Silva, Secretary of Biodiversity at the Brazilian Ministry of the Environment. Victor Kreimer, Minister of Ecology and Renewable Natural Resources of Misiones, Argentina, states that “biodiversity, like the jaguar, does not acknowledge geopolitical boundaries. Cross-border efforts, trinational in our case, are essential to deliver positive impact and sustainability in our actions”.
Atlantic Forest
The process of degradation and deforestation of the Atlantic Forest in Brazil began almost 500 years ago, with the overexploitation of timber species, going through several economic cycles. In Paraguay and Argentina, it began more recently, about 100 years ago, due to intense logging and conversion into pastures and agriculture. The three countries still face challenges for the conservation of the biome, and the restoration of landscapes is an opportunity to increase the forest cover.
In addition, it is important to highlight that the Atlantic Forest is a biodiversity hotspot, containing Priority Ecoregions for Global Conservation, in addition to being recognized as a UNESCO MAB Biosphere Reserve (UNESCO MAB Program in 1993 and 2009). Above all, the biome is a tropical forest restoration hotspot, showing economic opportunities with greater feasibility and potential to provide associated benefits (Brancalion et al. 2019).
In addition, it is important to highlight that the Atlantic Forest is a biodiversity hotspot, containing Priority Ecoregions for Global Conservation, in addition to being recognized as a UNESCO MAB Biosphere Reserve (UNESCO MAB Program in 1993 and 2009). Above all, the biome is a tropical forest restoration hotspot, showing economic opportunities with greater feasibility and potential to provide associated benefits (Brancalion et al. 2019).
About the PACT
The Atlantic Forest Restoration Pact is a national movement that has the mission of articulating and integrating actors interested in the restoration of the biome, inducing actions and results on a large scale, with environmental, social and economic benefits.
Established in April 2009, the PACT acts strategically by articulating public and private institutions, governments, companies and the scientific community to integrate their efforts and resources for generating results in biodiversity restoration and conservation in the 17 states of the biome.
Established in April 2009, the PACT acts strategically by articulating public and private institutions, governments, companies and the scientific community to integrate their efforts and resources for generating results in biodiversity restoration and conservation in the 17 states of the biome.
About the Trinational Restoration Alliance
The Trinational Restoration Alliance is a multisectoral movement that covers the Upper Paraná Ecoregion in Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay, involving different stakeholders in the recovery of the Atlantic Forest and its ecosystem services.
Established in 2019, the Trinational Alliance aims to promote a common trinational vision among the institutions of the territory, integrating Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay. Currently, more than 60 civil society organizations, governments, local communities and private initiatives are part of the movement.
Established in 2019, the Trinational Alliance aims to promote a common trinational vision among the institutions of the territory, integrating Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay. Currently, more than 60 civil society organizations, governments, local communities and private initiatives are part of the movement.
About the UN Environment Programme (UNEP)
UNEP is the leading global voice on the environment. It provides leadership and encourages partnership in caring for the environment by inspiring, informing and enabling nations and peoples to improve their quality of life without compromising that of future generations.
Nursery of native seedlings of Associação Ambientalista Copaíba
© Adriano Gambarini / WWF-Brasil
Nursery of native seedlings of Associação Ambientalista Copaíba
© Adriano Gambarini / WWF-Brasil
Bernadete Mosken in a restored area.
© Tuane Fernandes / WWF-Brasil
Bernadete Mosken in a restored area.
© Tuane Fernandes / WWF-Brasil
Ellen Fontana, rural producer, in a forest restoration area.
© Tuane Fernandes / WWF-Brasil
Ellen Fontana, rural producer, in a forest restoration area.
© Tuane Fernandes / WWF-Brasil