Araucaria Connection
The Araucaria Connection Project, established in 2017, aims to assist small rural producers in the southeast of Paraná. Its primary goal is to restore the state's Permanent Preservation Areas (known as APPs in Brazil) within the Araucaria Forest, located in the Atlantic Forest biome, using ecological restoration techniques.
Through the restoration of native vegetation cover, the project is establishing a lasting legacy by ensuring the protection of water resources, maintaining soil quality, and contributing to the recovery of species diversity, including rare and endangered species. This initiative benefits the environment and future generations, while also enhancing the productivity of local crops.
Foto: Acervo SPVS ©
Why should I support the initiative?
The restoration techniques employed by the Araucária Connection Project contribute to the rehabilitation of Permanent Preservation Areas (APP) and Conservation Units (protected areas for sustainable use). This process integrates natural remnants, riparian forests, hilltops, springs, watersheds, and other elements of natural areas into a more balanced ecosystem. Over time, these areas will gradually recover their native vegetation.
The project's efforts to restore regional biodiversity lead to several benefits for landowners, including increased crop productivity, support for biological pest control, enhanced presence of pollinators, improved soil fertility, and enhanced quantity and quality of water. Through guidance, training, and active involvement of landowners as key participants, the project empowers them and fosters stronger relationships with partner organizations.
Additionally, the biodiversity conservation efforts not only help landowners to regularize their properties but also add value to the products and services offered by the partners.
The benefits of the project extend to ensuring compliance with and enforcement of the Brazilian Forest Code, stimulating the local economy, and contributing to climate regulation. To generate social and economic benefits at the regional level, the project aims to acquire products and services locally and train local labor in the restoration process, thereby creating job opportunities for residents of the municipalities it serves.
Partners providing funding have the opportunity to leverage the project's brand and utilize its achievements in sustainability reports. Furthermore, they can use the results obtained to obtain certifications such as the LIFE Certification.
Who is it aimed at?
The project collaborates with small rural landowners, producers' associations, companies, industries, as well as governmental and non-governmental organizations.
Funding for the Araucaria Connection comes from the National Bank for Economic and Social Development (BNDES) and Japan Tobacco International (JTI), which is also the primary partner in activity development. Additionally, support for the project is provided by the Chico Mendes Institute for Biodiversity Conservation (ICMBio), the Water and Land Institute (IAT) - previously known as the Paraná Environmental Institute (IAP) - and the Chauá Society, which assists in establishing a Seed Orchard of native, rare, and endangered trees.
Are you interested in supporting the Project? Please don't hesitate to contact us with any questions you may have or to discuss how to initiate partnership proposals.
Project Results
One of the project's most significant achievements is the promotion of restoration activities on small rural properties. In 2021, a total of 186 hectares across 163 rural properties were restored in the municipalities of Palmeira, São João do Triunfo, São Mateus do Sul, Paulo Frontin, Paula Freitas, Mallet, Rio Azul, and Rebouças.
In the Piraí do Sul National Forest, the project continued its efforts to cultivate native saplings and control invasive exotic species. In 2021 alone, over 46 hectares were restored, involving the planting of approximately 50,000 seedlings of native species from the Mixed Ombrophilous Forest, including rare and endangered species.
In the Permanent Preservation Areas (APP) of the Salto de Pereira Environmental Park, enrichment activities covering 10.45 hectares were successfully completed. This involved planting 2,520 seedlings of rare and endangered species native to the Araucaria Forest. Additionally, efforts were initiated by the City Council to remove invasive exotic species within the park.
To facilitate these actions in public areas, ongoing dialogues have been conducted with local public officials. As a result, a Technical Cooperation Agreement was signed with the Rio Azul City Council to facilitate activities within the municipality.
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Content in Portuguese (Brazil).