145 million people. 20,000 species. This South American forest is one of the world’s most biodiverse ecosystems, second only to the Amazon. It’s a home to many and it needs protecting.
The heavy reliance on the Atlantic Rainforest’s resources, and the quickening pace of climate change, are taking a toll. Once twice the size of Texas, just 12% of the forest still stands. The ecosystem’s future relies on reforestation.
Why the Atlantic Rainforest Is A Priority
Connecting city life and the forest
The Atlantic Rainforest hosts 70% of Brazil’s population and 80% of its economy. The forest provides food, income opportunities, hydroelectric energy, and most of the water supply for Brazil, including major cities Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo. Inextricably intertwined with the community, the forest is foundational to life.
Unearthing unknown species
Of the 20,000 plants and animals found in this biodiversity hotspot, about 30% aren’t found anywhere else in the world. New species are still regularly being discovered, and reforestation secures a future in which that cycle can continue — a future in which the forest is defined by growth, not by loss.
Engaging skilled local leaders
There are 200 Indigenous territories within the Atlantic Rainforest, and we collaborate with our network to engage the groups that live on those lands. It’s an opportunity to achieve widespread reforestation, as research shows that Indigenous communities excel in reducing deforestation and improving forest cover.
Balancing the local climate
This forest is so influential on the local climate, one study found that losing one-fourth of a specific one-hectare plot of forest would increase the local temperature by 1°C. If the entire section was deforested, temperatures would increase by 4°C and threaten public health. Trees are crucial to maintaining a livable balance.
Current State
As the forest’s health weakens and its size diminishes, what remains of the forest is highly fragmented, with most segments of contiguous forest not exceeding 50 hectares in size. The staggering rate of deforestation is a threat to the many aspects of life that are dependent on a healthy forest.
We’re digging in to revitalize the land, focusing our reforestation efforts in Brazil, Paraguay, and Argentina.
Regional Threats and Challenges
The Atlantic Rainforest has undergone immense change in its lifetime — some good, and some not so good. Understanding the challenges at play helps us navigate toward a better future.
Deforestation
Much of the forest has been lost to agriculture and infrastructure growth. The land equivalent of 20,000 soccer fields was deforested over the course of one year (Oct. 2021–Oct. 2022).
Urbanization
With 70% of Brazil’s population living in the forest, there’s extreme pressure on its natural resources including the availability of clean drinking water.
Carbon release
When large areas are deforested, they release previously stored carbon. Widescale deforestation has sent millions of tons of carbon into the atmosphere, worsening global climate change.
Habitat loss
Because of the fragmented state of the forest, iconic creatures like jaguars and toucans have lost huge swaths of habitat. As a result, populations have decreased significantly.
Land rights
Political roadblocks have made it difficult for Indigenous communities to gain legal recognition for their land. The lack of formal protection impedes their ability to protect and grow the forest.
Our Work in the Atlantic Rainforest
The Arbor Day Foundation has already committed to planting more than one million trees in the Atlantic Rainforest, and we’re not slowing down anytime soon. We hope to plant millions more in the years to come. We believe we’ll get there by collaborating with organizations deeply rooted in this region that can help ensure our work yields layers of good for communities, biodiversity, and the climate.
Right Trees, Right Place, Right Reason
As a global nonprofit dedicated to planting trees, the Arbor Day Foundation is committed to nurturing crucial forestlands. We leverage cutting-edge science and data to identify ecosystems of global influence, like the Atlantic Rainforest. We use our exclusive forest priority index to elevate our impact through reforestation and mobilize our network of partners to help plant at the speed of a changing world.
Donate Today to Shape Tomorrow
Reforesting the Atlantic Rainforest will take many minds, many hearts, and many shovels. Everyone can help make a difference. We believe that together we can make tremendous impact in a region that needs it.
