Interview reveals the motivation to preserve and restore the Atlantic Forest

In a rural area located in the Barrocão neighborhood, in Socorro/SP, owner Rina Orlandi Marchesi and her family decided to embark on a new journey towards ecological restoration. With an unwavering commitment to the preservation of historical environmental heritage, she shares her experience and the reasons that led her to make this decision.

In a conversation with Copaíba, Rina talks about the challenges and rewards of restoring a property that has been in the family for several generations. “We made the decision to restore the property again because in the first projects we had a considerable increase in the amount of water. This motivates us to continue with new projects.” The first restoration took place in 2019, where 0.72 hectares were recovered, with the planting of 1,600 native seedlings from the Atlantic Forest, through the Verde Novo project implemented by the Copaíba Environmental Association. As time passed and climate conditions changed, new challenges encouraged the family to undertake this second journey towards restoration, “we are sure that with reforestation, with the increase in water resources, we will be contributing to the environment”.

The decision to restore a property for a second time is not uncommon. More than 350 landowners participated in the restoration of their lands, in these more than two decades of Copaíba operations. Many of them signed up to have plantations again after they realized the success and gains they brought to their communities through restoration. This is also a factor that encourages neighbors and acquaintances to arouse their interest in having a restored property. “We are already asked by other people about what we have done here, and we realize that they also feel motivated to restore”, highlights Rina, “if we can give advice to other landowners who are considering similar reforestation initiatives, we say that they can expect an increase in water resources and an increase in the value of their properties.”

The new Copaíba planting season has already begun and was “opened” by Rina and her family’s property. Two restoration projects were implemented, the first being financed by Fe-Hidro (State Water Resources Fund), which, through financing programs and actions in the area of water resources, seeks to promote the improvement and protection of water bodies and its river basins; and the second project is Raízes do Mogi Guaçu, a program that aims to protect, recover and restore springs and riparian areas (interaction between vegetation, soil and a watercourse) of the Mogi Guaçu river. Both projects, with Copaíba as the implementer, will restore 12.61 hectares, 6.46 hectares of which will be assisted natural regeneration. 10,400 seedlings were planted, which aim to protect 6 springs and 2 streams, which flow into the Rio do Peixe.

Rina's story highlights the importance of environmental preservation and inspires other homeowners to consider restoration as an act of responsibility. This second journey is not just a continuation of the renewal of the landscape, but a reaffirmed commitment that now, more than ever, is the time to act.