Generally, to transform degraded areas into forests, a forest restoration process based on different methodologies is necessary. The planting of native seedlings is an essential alternative for this.

To restore large areas, numerous tree seedlings are used. These seedlings come from the forest nurseries that produce them for this purpose.

The Copaíba Forest Nursery has this profile and has produced, to date, more than 1.5 million tree seedlings of native species. For all this work, people dedicated to this action are essential: producing the seedlings.

The nurseryman, within his functions, is an important actor within the ecological restoration chain. It is through it that the seeds, in the nursery, germinate and become quality seedlings to be planted in the field.

An example of dedication to this profession is Mr. Antonio dos Santos Godoi (Mr. Toninho) who has worked at Viveiro Florestal Copaíba for 5 years and knows the plants like no one else. He, along with other nurserymen, is responsible for taking care of the more than 100,000 seedlings that are in the production process at the nursery.

for Mr. Toninho is a pleasure to work for the defense of nature. “I do everything on a whim, because I like it and I think it's important. I also like the confidence people have in my work. I'm happy to see the seedlings grow”, comments the nurseryman, proud of his job well done.

It is this and other forestry professions that, today, collaborate strongly for the conservation and restoration of native forests in the region of the Rio do Peixe and Camanducaia hydrographic basins.