Communities in Marajó, Brazil, are launching reforestation efforts to combat the damage from wildfires, aiming to plant over 2,500 native saplings in the upcoming months.
Over the past weekend, riverside and quilombola communities in Marajó, Brazil, initiated collective reforestation efforts in response to areas devastated by wildfires in recent years. This initiative began in Portel and is set to extend to other municipalities including Breves, Melgaço, and Oeiras do Pará throughout March and April. The project is coordinated by the Observatório do Marajó, which aims to plant more than 2,500 saplings of native species such as açai, cacao, pracaxi, and acapu. Approximately 50 families are actively participating in these efforts.
The reforestation activities have been meticulously planned since 2025 and encompass not only the planting of saplings but also education in agroecology, the development of community action plans, and mapping out areas for the implementation of agroforestry systems. The actions are designed to be inclusive and participatory, featuring workshops, knowledge exchange among participants, and a collective planting of the saplings, which helps strengthen community ties and enhance local biodiversity.
Ediane Lima, a project manager at the Observatório do Marajó, emphasized the importance of agroforestry systems in restoring the ecological balance in the regions affected by deforestation and fires. These systems provide environmental benefits while also supporting local economies, creating resilience against future environmental challenges. The ongoing efforts mark a significant step in the communities' commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship in the face of climate change.
