Throughout 2024, Instituto Terra faced one of the most challenging years of the decade for ecological restoration work. El Niño brought with it extreme temperatures and a prolonged drought, putting recent plantings at risk and forcing last-minute adaptations in field actions. Even so, the restoration team kept moving forward – with technical planning, collective effort and constant listening to what the landscape was asking for.
Moisés Marcelino, field supervisor, closely followed every stage of the work carried out by the Refloresta Program in the areas of the Private Natural Heritage Reserve (RPPN) and in new areas recently integrated into the Institute. According to him, the team had to adapt the management, choose species that were more tolerant of the dry climate and carry out watering even outside the rainy season. “We had days with temperatures above 45 degrees. It was difficult, but we prepared the soil well and opted for more resistant seedlings,” he says.
This strategy has paid off. In less than seven months, it is already possible to see the vigor of the planted seedlings and the first changes in the appearance of the vegetation. Moisés reports the satisfaction of seeing species growing well even in adverse contexts. “We can pass through the areas and see plants with very good vigor. This shows that the effort was worth it.”
The restoration work, however, goes far beyond technique. “The results, the happiness we feel, are not ours alone,” says Moisés. “It’s thanks to our partners and sponsors that we’re able to make all this happen year after year.” Among these supporters, he highlights Seguradora Zurich, which for almost six years has collaborated directly with the enrichment of the native vegetation within the RPPN. “It’s a collective effort. None of this would be possible without the direct involvement of those who believe in our purpose.”
Looking back, Moisés sees 2024 as a year of maturing. “We planted at difficult times and yet we were still successful. This shows that the path we’re on is the right one. And that, with everyone’s support, the forest keeps coming back, even in the strongest sun.”