Key Impact Points:
- Biomas and Veracel launch a $9.7M initiative to restore 1,200 hectares of Atlantic rainforest.
- Over 2 million native trees will be planted to revive biodiversity and generate 500,000 carbon credits.
- Biomas targets restoring 2 million hectares across Brazil’s Atlantic Forest and Amazon by 2044.
Launching a Landmark Restoration Effort
Eco-restoration startup Biomas has launched a reforestation project in Brazil’s Bahia region to revive 1,200 hectares of degraded Atlantic rainforest. Backed by a $9.7 million (R$55 million) investment, the initiative marks a major milestone for the company, founded in 2022 with a mission to restore 2 million hectares over 20 years.
Strategic Partnership with Veracel
Biomas will collaborate with Bahia-based cellulose company Veracel, using land previously employed for pulp production. The Muçununga project will unfold in several stages, beginning with detailed mapping of restoration areas and followed by local stakeholder engagement.
A Long-Term Commitment to Forest Health
Once soil preparations are complete, Biomas will plant over 2 million trees, featuring more than 70 native species including Araçá, Copaíba, Guapuruvu, Ipê Amarelo, Jacaranda da Bahia, and Jatobá.
The team will closely monitor forest health and outcomes to generate high-integrity carbon removal credits. Over the next 40 years, Biomas anticipates creating around 500,000 carbon credits from the reforestation work.
Reviving a Vanishing Ecosystem
The Atlantic Forest, once spanning the territory now inhabited by two-thirds of Brazil’s population, has been reduced to just 12% of its original size. Biomas emphasized the broader benefits of their efforts, stating:
“The return of the forest will help maintain cooler temperatures and cleaner water, boosting agricultural productivity and the well-being of people, plants, and animals.“
A Broad Coalition of Support
Biomas is backed by major industry players including Vale, Marfrig, Suzano, Santander Brasil, Itaú, and Rabobank. Project Muçununga represents its first large-scale initiative, setting the stage for broader restoration efforts across Brazil’s critically endangered ecosystems.
Related Article: Amazon Launches Carbon Credits Service via Sustainability Hub for Verified Climate Action
