MORFO

🌳 Discover our new reforestation project in the North of Rio! This very promising project is one of the first examples of combining large-scale reforestation technology with the skills of local actors. To achieve the goal of 35% forest carbon absorption capacity by 2030 (IPCC), 8️⃣0️⃣ million hectares of new forests would need to be planted each year. However, only 8️⃣ million hectares are reforested annually (UN). To accelerate planting, MORFO’s drone technique must be supported by the knowledge and work of local populations. That's why @MORFO work with Instituto Terra de Preservação Ambiental - ITPA. In this 50-hectare project, 75% of the area is replanted by drones and 25% with the help of local populations who are already working there. ITPA provides MORFO with knowledge of the Mata Atlantica biome, access to a nursery for manual planting, and local workers to carry out the planting. This Brazilian organization has more than 20 years of experience in tree planting and has restored one million hectares of the degraded Atlantic forest. By planting seeds and restoring the ecosystem, this project helps regenerate this critical area that supplies 80% of Rio's water and 30% of its energy through the Guandu basin. #reforestation #forest #climatechange #climateaction #foret #reflorestamento #floresta #brasil #brazil #naturelovers #nature #RiodeJaneiro

🪺🔍 Do you recognize which species this nest belongs to? In one of our projects in French Guiana, we witnessed the return of life: A nest in one of the trees. The presence of animals in our projects is an ACHIEVEMENT, as the dense canopies of trees provide protection to birds from the sun, rain, and predators. STUDIES SHOW: Restored areas that are 20 years old have a more complex and diverse bird community compared to fragmented primary forest areas… …and gradually, we can see this reality coming to life. BIRDS X FOREST RESTORATION Moreover, recent studies demonstrate the importance of birds in forests and restoration projects: - Wild birds can increase forest carbon storage by up to 3️⃣8️⃣% through their seed dispersal activities. BUT… To ensure effective seed dispersal mediated by birds, it is essential to maintain at least 4️⃣0️⃣% forest cover and ensure that forest patches are no more than 133 meters apart. THAT’S WHY… Seeing birds in our projects or nearby is a source of optimism; it’s a sign that the forest is reconstituting itself and that, gradually, animals are returning – and each one of them matters. Let’s grow: from each leaf to each footprint! 💙 #nest #tropicalforest #wildlife #climateaction

🌳 Forests absorb nearly half the emissions from fossil fuels. 🥛 Is the glass half full or half empty? THE NEGATIVE This statistic was recorded between 1990 and 2019. However, fossil fuel emissions have continued to rise (the 5% drop during the pandemic was unfortunately offset by 2021). THE POSITIVE There were concerns that deforestation, wildfires, and other disruptions might significantly reduce the forests' ability to absorb CO2. But that’s not really the case. Despite various threats, forests have consistently absorbed about 3.5 billion metric tons of carbon annually over the past 30 years. Detailed Breakdown: - Tropical Forests: Saw a 31% decrease in carbon absorption due to deforestation. However, regrowth in some areas has helped offset this decline. - Temperate Forests: Experienced a 30% increase in carbon absorption, largely due to reforestation efforts, especially in China. So, is the glass half empty or half full? #tropicalforest #climateaction #environment #carbon

🏃👀 Trees don't walk, right? Well, what if we told you that's not entirely true... Today you'll meet the "walking palm"! NAME: Paxiúba (Socratea exorrhiza), found in several countries in Central and South America, including Brazil. 🐙 BUT... HOW DOES IT WALK? The secret lies in Paxiúba's adventitious roots: They develop horizontally on the surface, like "tentacles," acting as a natural propulsion system. By growing and dying, the roots redistribute the plant's weight, allowing gradual movement. BUT WHY DOES IT WALK? When "walking," the tree seeks sunlight for photosynthesis, water to stay hydrated, and nutrients for growth. It moves when there is not enough light or nutrients in its current location. Studies conducted in the Amazon estimated that Paxiúba can move up to 2 meters per year in areas with high availability of water and sunlight. 🔎 FUN FACT: Besides its movement, Paxiúba has various traditional uses in the region, such as in construction, food, crafts, and medicine for indigenous communities and the local population. #amazon #forest #environment #climateaction

🐍 NEW STUDY REVEALS: There are two species of bushmaster in Brazil! Contrary to previous beliefs, researchers have identified that the bushmaster populations inhabiting the Amazon Rainforest and the Atlantic Forest are composed of two distinct species! The research, led by Breno Hamdan from the Instituto Vital Brazil and the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, involved 16 researchers from 13 institutions. The scientists were aiming to understand the taxonomy of the bushmaster (Lachesis spp.), considered the largest venomous snake in the Americas. They concluded that, contrary to what was previously thought, the populations in the Amazon (Lachesis muta muta) and the Atlantic Forest (Lachesis muta rhombeata), previously considered subspecies or more recently a single species (Lachesis muta), are actually TWO distinct species. THE FUTURE OF THE NEW SPECIES: The lower genetic diversity in the L. rhombeata species, native to the Atlantic Forest, suggests that its conservation status should be carefully evaluated, as it has already been considered extinct, critically endangered, or threatened in states like Espírito Santo, Minas Gerais, and Rio de Janeiro. #newspecie #atlanticforest #forestrestoration

💙 What does this image represent to you? The propellers of a drone? Almost! Here at MORFO, it represents the speed we need to achieve our mission of restoring 1 million hectares of degraded land in the next 10 years. We have a team of flying little robots working alongside our specialists in the restoration process. They can process up to 50 hectares per day and plant 180 seed capsules per minute. The one in the photo is affectionately called Morfão. Morfão has the superpower to plant between 20 and 100 times faster than a manual process. Would you like to meet the other members of MORFO's drone family? #forestregeneration #forestrestoration #seedplantingdrones

📰💌 Want to stay updated on the latest tropical forest news? Swipe to discover! Then, let us know which of these news you found the most impactful. 😉 That way, you'll be the most informed friend in the group about the forests! #news #tropicalforest #climateaction #environment

🌳🍒 What a joy! A new species has been discovered! Meet the Cereja-de-guapiaçu, a new fruit tree species from the Atlantic Forest, known scientifically as Eugenia guapiassuana. This tree is deciduous, which means it loses all its leaves during flowering. This makes its pink-colored canopy stand out even more and be recognizable from a distance. The discovery was made by Messias Gomes da Silva from the Reserva Ecológica de Guapiaçu (REGUA), in Cachoeiras de Macacu, Rio de Janeiro. The Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden Research Institute describes its fruits as having a bright red color, orange pulp, juicy, very aromatic, and with a slightly acidic taste. #atlanticforest #environment #newspecie #forestrestoration

🤯🌳 Every time there is a wildfire, climate change and drought are blamed. But this is an oversimplification. In 2022, for example, the breakdown of primary forest loss in the Amazon was as follows: 80.2% due to deforestation vs. 19.8% from fire impact. Yesterday, Romulo Batista, the spokesman for Greenpeace's Brazilian branch, explained that while “climate change is contributing to the increase in wildfires in the Amazon rainforest,” most wildfires are “likely not spontaneous,” but instead caused by human activity, especially agricultural burning. Moreover, a very recent study led by Scott C. Stark from Michigan State University, along with Brazilian researchers, explored "the other side of drought." They found out that drought can have a positive effect. Here's what they discovered: 1️⃣ Confirmation: In some parts of the Amazon, drought can reduce excessive water in the soil, enhancing tree growth. 2️⃣ Surprise: Waterlogged areas with nutrient-poor soils can thrive during droughts, showing increased tree growth when precipitation is reduced. These findings are promising because approximately half of the Amazon forests have shallow water tables, resulting in too much water in the soil for optimal tree growth. BUT THEN... If drought has positive aspects, should we stop fighting climate change? NO, absolutely not. Climate change has many other negative impacts. This study simply provides perspectives on better ways to conserve the Amazon Rainforest. It offers clues for reducing the impact of climate change, but the fight continues. #climatechange #fires #tropicalforest #climateaction

📰 A new edition of MORFO's newsletter is out! 🌲 ☀️ This July, Rio de Janeiro became the first city to reforest at a large scale! 🌱 Discover our project in partnership Rio’s City Hall to restore the city’s slopes. 🎙️ We weren’t just on the ground this month... Read the summary or watch the replay of our last webinar on defining high-quality forest restoration. 🔎 Check out some recent studies and news to read. 🗓️ Want to meet us? We also have a list of events where we will be present. Happy reading!