The Un-Endangered Forest Project

The Atlantic Rainforest (Mata Atlântica) is Brazil’s ‘other rainforest’. Whilst the Amazon grabs the headlines and interest from across the globe the Atlantic Rainforest is largely ignored. This forest stretches down the Brazilian coast which brings it directly into conflict with the most settled areas of this vast country. As a result, only around 10% of the original forest remains.

A few facts that may surprise you about the Atlantic Rainforest:

• This amazing biome is home to 264 mammal species, 1,000 birds, 456 amphibians, 300 reptiles and 350 fish. 31% of these are found nowhere else.
• Over 23,000 plants have been catalogued, of which 40% are endemic to the Atlantic Rainforest.
• Over 60% of Brazil’s endangered species are found here!

The small town of Morretes is in the heart of the Mata Atlântica and it is here that a new project has been born. The Programa Salvando Árvores da Extinção (Un-Endangered Forest) project is the result of a partnership established by Novo Fogo with the Hórus Institute and Ekôa Park.

Its objective is to increase the number of rare or endangered trees in the Atlantic Forest, focusing on tree species that were intensively exploited in the past, mainly for timber use. Seedlings are cultured in nurseries and then distributed to local land stewards who plant them on their properties which include gardens, parks, hotels and public spaces. At the Pousada Serra Verde Ecolodge we are delighted to be part of this fantastic project.

Collectively, these land stewards represent thousands of acres of Atlantic Forest that are being preserved and nourished back to health.

Story and images provided by Mr Jeff Parfrey, co-owner of Pousada Serra Verde Ecolodge in Brazil