Post-agriculture restoration
Natureza Bela · Bahia
Bringing back native forest on an abandoned sugarcane plantation, as an innovation hub.
In the Atlantic Forest of Santa Cruz Cabrália, Bahia, MORFO restored 55 hectares of a former sugarcane plantation with the environmental organization Natureza Bela. Degraded and holding only low grass, the site doubled as an innovation hub, where MORFO tested and adjusted restoration techniques.
- Biome
- Atlantic Forest
- Size
- 55 ha
- Status
- Ongoing
A former low-yield sugarcane plantation, degraded and holding only low grass under brachiaria pressure. Left alone, little forest returns. The site was run as an innovation hub, testing species choice, drone seeding and nutrient-enriched encapsulated seeds against hard conditions.
A combined operation, in two phases, delivered with a local partner.
Plant in two phases
In April 2023, a first 14 hectares by drone seeding and manual planting, with nutrient-enriched encapsulated seeds and manual care for the species that need it. In November 2023, the remaining 41 hectares, completing the 55.
Monitor
Drone and satellite every six months, then yearly, with a local partner checking the field weekly. Germination, survival, growth and species behaviour tracked each cycle.
Local impact
The project runs on local work, from seed collection to planting and monitoring, a deliberate social dimension.
Mar–Apr 2023
Project launch and first 14 hectares planted, drone seeding plus manual planting.
Sep 2023
Twenty-five native species planted, with sixteen thriving after five months.
Nov 2023
Remaining 41 hectares planted, completing the 55-hectare site.
Apr 2024Last updated
First full-year assessment.
Natureza Bela, an environmental organization. The social dimension is deliberate, with local work across seed collection, planting and monitoring.
Turn degraded land into a project that holds.
Send us an area. We will tell you if it is viable, and how.