Posted on April, 26 2023
Video produced for the UN Decade of Ecosystem Restoration shows initiatives of the Pact for the Restoration of the Atlantic Forest and the Trinational Network for the Restoration of the Atlantic Forest
The forest landscape restoration work of more than 360 organizations and companies that are part of the Atlantic Forest Restoration Pact and the Trinational Alliance for the Atlantic Forest Restoration is highlighted in a series of mini documentaries produced by the United Nations (UN).
The series, called “RESTORE: Films from the frontiers of hope”, presents the stories of the ten world restoration initiatives recognized by the United Nations.
The series explores the places where nature is recovering in seven-minute videos. They are published weekly and the eighth episode, which highlights the work in the Atlantic Forest, aired on 17 April 2023. The mini documentary presents an example in the Serra da Mantiqueira region, along with other initiatives in the Trinational Atlantic Forest.
"The video shows the importance of restoring the Atlantic Forest, one of the biomes with some of the greatest opportunities for restoration in the world", says Alex Mendes, executive secretary of the Pact. "We hope that the video will help to disseminate the importance of the Atlantic Forest and encourage the restoration of 15 million hectares of forests by 2050".
In addition to Brazil, the Atlantic Forest also covers two other countries, Argentina, and Paraguay. For this reason, the UN recognizes the Trinational restoration work of the Trinational Alliance for the Atlantic Forest Restoration. "Nature does not see borders. And the Atlantic Forest is an example of that", says Taruhim Quadros, representative of the Trinational Alliance.
The video also highlights the work of rural producers, government initiatives such as the Payments for Environmental Services program in Extrema-MG, and that of NGOs such as Associação Ambientalista Copaíba, in Socorro (SP). "The restoration movement is not just restoring forests. It is restoring landscapes, restoring lives", says Flavia Balderi, executive secretary of Copaíba, in the video.
About the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration and World Restoration Flagships
The UN General Assembly declared the years 2021 to 2030 as the United Nations Decade of Ecosystem Restoration. The UN Decade brings together political support, scientific research and financial strength for large-scale restoration. In late 2022, during the 15th Conference of the Parties to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (COP15), held in Montreal, Canada, UNEP and FAO recognized ten World Restoration Flagships Initiatives.
The initiatives, which may receive UN funding, advice or outreach support, showcase how environmental defenders are repairing damaged landscapes under the UN Decade of Ecosystem Restoration.
In addition to the work in the Atlantic Forest, initiatives in Africa, Oceania, Central America, the Middle East, and Asia were also named as a World Restoration Flagship. The complete list is available on the website: https://www.decadeonrestoration.org/restore-films-frontiers-hope
About the PACT
The Atlantic Forest Restoration Pact is a national movement with the mission to articulate and integrate actors interested in restoring the biome, inducing large-scale actions and results, with environmental, social, and economic benefits.
Established in April 2009, PACT acts strategically by linking public and private institutions, governments, companies, and the scientific community to combine their efforts and resources to generate results in the restoration and conservation of biodiversity in the 17 states of the Atlantic Forest.
About the Trinational Alliance for the Atlantic Forest Restoration
The Trinational Alliance for the Atlantic Forest Restoration is a multisectoral movement covering the Upper Paraná Ecoregion in Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay, involving different stakeholders in the recovery of the Atlantic Forest and its ecosystem services.
Established in 2019, the Trinational Alliance works to promote a common trinational vision among institutions in the territory, with integration between Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay. Currently, more than 60 organizations from civil society, governments, local communities, and the private sector are part of the movement.