In recent years, the land restoration landscape has undergone a significant transformation. What was once dominated mostly by men, today sees women taking the lead and making a difference in environmental recovery. The Copaíba Environmental Association organized this comparison and is already able to record this notable change.

The Change of Guardian of the Lands

Historically, land ownership and management in Brazil have always been associated with men. From colonial times until recent decades, the figure of the farmer or rural landowner was almost exclusively male, so it was also their choice to restore part of their land. However, a recent study by Copaíba revealed that women are not only entering this sector, but also dominating it with new perspectives and approaches.

The research found that, in 2021, around 35% of rural properties that participated in ecological restoration programs were managed by women. This number rose to 55% in 2024, indicating significant growth and structural change in the field.

The change in the profile of rural landowners has been accompanied by changes in the way they are mobilized for action.

The ecological restoration coordinator, Ana Paula Balderi, says that some time ago it was common for contracts to be signed mostly by men, but reaching this point, it was an initiative built by women. One way to talk about restoration and its importance was through courses for rural women, such as producing jams and other foods. Women took new knowledge to their homes and presented it to their husbands, who became interested. “We too, as women, who presented the programs and managed the projects, were often discredited in a common approach, so we created these moments of exchanges between women, and thus, we all won in the end”, says Ana Paula.

Today, it is also possible to see that the owner who arrives to restore is already much more engaged with the cause, understands the interconnection between water and forest, and seeks solutions for all life on Earth, beyond his territory.

 

The impact on the Atlantic Forest

Ecological restoration is crucial for maintaining the Atlantic Forest, one of the richest and most threatened biomes on the planet. The Atlantic Forest, which is home to 3 out of every 4 Brazilians, is today reduced to just 26%* of its original extension. The recovery of this area is vital for:

• Maintenance of biodiversity: It is home to around 20,000 species of plants, more than 800 species of birds, more than 300 species of amphibians, more than 190 species of reptiles, more than 250 species of mammals and more than 350 species of fish.
• Climate regulation: Recovering forests help sequester carbon, contributing to climate change mitigation.
•  Protection of water resources: The restored areas help protect springs and rivers, ensuring the quality and quantity of water for the lands and their communities.

*Data from MapBiomas 2022

 

Call to Action

The transformation in the profile of land restorers is a positive sign that ecological restoration is gaining new strength and perspectives. Copaíba invites all landowners to sign up for its programs. This is a crucial step towards ensuring a sustainable future for this and future generations.

If you are a landowner and want to contribute to the recovery of the Atlantic Forest, register on the Copaíba website or contact us by phone: 19 99667-0229 and be part of this green revolution.

For more information, fill out the form at www.copaiba.org.br and discover how your participation can transform Brazil's environmental scenario.