BACKGROUND
The Atlantic Forest, a South American forest that extends along the Atlantic coast of Brazil, has ecoregions within the following biome categories: seasonal moist and dry broad-leaf tropical forests, tropical and subtropical grasslands, savannas, shrublands, and mangrove forests. It is characterized by high biodiversity and endemism.
Itatiaia in Brazil is located in a region within the Atlantic Forest Biome, an area where there is a transition between different forest types - the semi-deciduous and evergreen Ombrophilous forest. Rare species are one of the principal components of the species richness and diversity encountered in dense Ombrophilous tropical forests. Unfortunately, around the Paraiaba do Sul River, where once stood these forests, it is now mostly covered with pasture lands with just a few remnants of the original forests. The on-going challenge is to redevelop the Atlantic Forest that was once prevalent along the River Paraiba do Sul and other areas of Brazil.
IMPLEMENTATION
In 2015, to contribute in a small way to revive this biodiversity rich habitat, Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) created a one hectare Permanent Protected Area (PPA) adjacent to its project site and planted over 1600 native trees.
JLR worked in collaboration with INEA - the Environmental Regulator and various departments to donate and plant additional trees. Furthermore, as one of the active members of the REVISIMEP - a cross state ecological designated improvement area aligned along the River Paraiba do Sul, JLR raised awareness on forest conservation through leaflets, signage and face-to-face communication within the premises.
Protected areas are essential for biodiversity conservation, often providing habitat and protection from hunting for threatened and endangered species.
Protection helps maintain ecological processes that cannot survive in most intensely managed landscapes.
IMPACT
JLR continues to maintain the 1,600 native Brazilian trees planted in 2016 and periodically replenishes trees that have died. In 2018 and 2019, an additional 100 and 240 trees were planted.
Going ahead, JLR plans to double the area under their care by adding another hectare of land closer to the River Paraiba do Sul. Also on the anvil, is a plan to conduct a wildlife assessment of fauna inhabiting the REVISMEP area.