Brazil’s Araticum Initiative restores savannah Ecosystem
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In Brazil, the Araticum Initiative is working to restore 4.4 million acres of the Cerrado, a biologically rich savannah, to its natural state.
Though often overshadowed by the Amazon rainforest, the Cerrado holds more plant and animal species than any other savannah in the world, but has lost half of its land to agriculture and other development.
The Araticum Initiative unites over 180 organizations, including indigenous groups, farmers, and government bodies, to carry out restoration through methods like natural regeneration and agroforestry using native plants. The initiative has already mapped over 50,000 acres undergoing restoration and established a supply chain for native plant seeds, collecting from more than 150 species.
Brazil’s Minister of the Environment and Climate Change, João Paulo Ribeiro Capobianco, stated that recognition of the Cerrado as a UN World Restoration Flagship shows Brazil is rebuilding environmental policy that balances conservation, climate action, and development. By 2030, the Araticum Initiative plans to meet its 4.4 million acre goal, contributing to Brazil’s larger commitment to restore approximately 30 million acres of land.
The UN is tracking restoration commitments worldwide, currently estimating 44 million acres are being restored, but notes information is limited about the status of roughly 2 billion acres pledged through various environmental agreements.
