Background

The Central corridor of the Atlantic Forest, which include Bahia and Espirito Santo states is a priority region in Atlantic Forest for conservation and restoration. The region boasts unique endemic ecosystems where it is possible to find 433 species of trees in one hectare. Veracel is located at the Discovery Coast Atlantic Forest Reserves, an UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site, in the hearth of the Pau Brasil National Park - Descobrimento corridor. The Veracel Private reserve is one of the biggest private reserves of Atlantic Forest, with 6.069 ha.

Scope of work

WWF is working with Veracel and Fórum Florestal to implement Forest Landscape Restoration through the engagement of local communities, universities, and rural farmers in Southern Bahia through a landscape approach. The main opportunities involve topics such as conservation, sustainable agriculture, sustainable forestry and Social projects. Aligned with a long term vision of conservation and restoration of the Central corridor of Atlantic Forest (Bahia and Espirito Santo state), the work focuses in the Pau Brasil National Park - Veracel Private Reserve corridor, which favors biodiversity connection in the landscape, by mobilizing technical assistance, cooperatives, and community tree nurseries to catalyse work of forest landscape restoration. Ultimately, the work will catalyze various conservation and social projects to be funded through initiatives such as the Buch Fund for Climate and Development and the Southern Bahia People’s Nature Fund to achieve impacts at large scale.