In partnership with the Nordesta Association, this reforestation project aims to reforest the sources of Brazil's third most important river, the Sâo Francisco river, upon which a third of the Brazilian population depends. A wide variety of native trees is being planted by small and medium-scale farmers to also improve agricultural conditions and enhance biodiversity.

OBJECTIVES

Nordesta project’s objective is to preserve water resources through the reforestation of the surrounding and banks of São Francisco River in the Minas Gerais State in Brazil.

This project is led by the Nordesta Association, which operates every single stage of the program, from collecting seeds to growing them, until planting and maintaining the sites. They work in collaboration with local farmers and landholders.

More than 350 000 trees have already been planted. The benefits of planting trees in this area are:

– Improving water in terms of quality and quantity in Sao Francisco River and its sources

– Regenerating degraded areas and enhancing soil quality: preventing erosion, soil enrichment

– Maintaining biodiversity and allowing the reintegration of animal species such as the manned wolf, diving ducks, monkeys and others

– Helping inhabitants comply with Brazil’s environmental law

Another goal is to promote organic farming, both inside their activities and with local farmers. This way, Nordesta and local farmers could obtain organic certifications for their projects.

Additionally, sustainable economic activities such as beekeeping are being developed. Beekeeping not only diversifies farmers’ incomes but also increases agricultural yields through pollination.