Impact in action: Restoring one of the world’s most threatened tropical forests

This month, from our portfolio of charities, we are highlighting the work of Trillion Trees in the Atlantic Forest of South America. Once stretching over a million square kilometres, is now one of the world’s most threatened tropical forests. This lush biome, which spans parts of Brazil, Paraguay, and Argentina, has been reduced to a fraction of its former glory. Just 12.5% of its original cover remains, mostly in fragmented patches. Despite this, it remains a powerhouse of biodiversity and climate resilience.

The Atlantic Forest might be lesser known than its famous neighbour, the Amazon, but it rivals it in biodiversity. In just one hectare (about the size of a football pitch) you can find up to 450 tree species, and it is home to over 8,000 unique plant species and 800 bird species. This includes the critically endangered seven-coloured tanager and apex predators like the jaguar. This forest also sustains more than 145 million people, including communities in megacities like São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. It supports water systems, agriculture, hydropower, and even national economies, which contributes 70% of Brazil’s GDP from within its ecoregion.

A UN decade flagship for ecosystem restoration

In 2022, the Atlantic Forest was designated a UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration Flagship Landscape – one of 10 flagship initiatives – recognising the ambitious goal to restore 15 million hectares across Brazil, Argentina, and Paraguay. The Trinational Atlantic Forest Pact is a showcase example of how to approach Forest Landscape Restoration.

In the last six months, Trillion Trees and its local partner Aves Argentinas have made meaningful strides in the Misiones Province of Argentina. Over 16,000 native trees have been planted by the Mbyá Guaraní Yryapú Community, with a focus on fruit-bearing species that benefit both wildlife and local families.

These trees enhance biodiversity by feeding birds that aid in natural seed dispersal, provide shade, shelter, food, and materials to communities and help to combat climate change by storing carbon, up to 223.5 tonnes per hectare in some areas. The project is also addressing clean water access. A new well and water pump now supplies 50 families with drinking water and irrigation for agroforestry plots, helping secure both food and livelihoods.

Your support helps to ensure that biodiversity hotspots like the Atlantic Forest are not lost. By donating to The Global Returns Project’s charity portfolio, you are directing supporting this vital work, helping restore forests that benefit people, nature, and climate alike.