Defaunation is the rapid and drastic decline of animal species in a natural environment – forests are becoming “empty”. This has negative effects on demography, biological diversity and the maintenance of ecosystems. The global loss of species is recognized today as a problem as serious and impactful as deforestation: from the largest mammal to the smallest insect, the disappearance of animals will also alter the form and function of the ecosystems on which all humanity depends.

With the decrease in fauna, we also lose essential ecosystem services for our survival. Animals provide food, pollinate and disperse plants, and help control pests and diseases.

An important strategy to prevent this from happening is to maintain their habitat – the forests. Many forests have already been devastated and, therefore, the recovery of these areas, together with the conservation of the forests that already exist, can guarantee that the fauna is saved.

Forest recovery is the main objective of Verde Novo, a project carried out by Copaíba, sponsored by Petrobras, through the Petrobras Socio-environmental Program. Many areas have already been recovered throughout the Peixe and Camanducaia river basins. In other words, Verde Novo is contributing to reducing the loss of wild fauna and helping to maintain our quality of life.

It was with this in mind that the family of Mrs Lourdes de Oliveira, from Pinhalzinho, decided to seek the support of Verde Novo to recover the degraded areas of their property. The idea is to attract wild fauna, recovering its natural environment. A beautiful mission, which will soon be accomplished!

For Edson de Godoy, Lourdes' son-in-law, the planting of native trees on the property will help provide more food and protection for the animals. “We planted these trees thinking about the future of nature. Thus, the forest will bear fruit for the birds and will also help protect the water”, comments Edson.

Actions such as those of Dona Lourdes' family, in addition to helping to prevent defaunation, are essential to improve our quality of life.

How to participate?

Registration to participate is open. All landowners and farmers in Socorro and region who are interested in receiving the seedlings and support can contact Copaíba by phone: (19) 99953-8382, or email [email protected]. More information on the website copaíba.org.br/verdenovo.

Source: The Echo