Couple Transforms Barren Land Into Tropical Paradise In Just 20 Years With 2 Million Trees

"The land was as sick as I was," Sebastião recalled, "everything was destroyed."

Damjan

• Published in Interesting
• May 31, 2024

Deforestation looms as a menacing threat to our planet, casting a shadow over its health and vitality. With approximately 15% of greenhouse gas emissions stemming from this practice, the consequences reverberate through every corner of the Earth, affecting both humans and wildlife alike.

In the face of such daunting challenges, it's easy to feel overwhelmed and powerless. Yet, nestled within the heart of Brazil, a remarkable story unfolds—a story of resilience, determination, and hope.

In 1994, Sebastião Salgado, a seasoned Brazilian photojournalist, returned to his homeland after documenting the turmoil of Rwanda. Anticipating the lush embrace of the tropical forest in Minas Gerais, his home state, he was instead met with a grim reality.

Deforestation had ravaged the land, leaving behind barren, desolate expanses where vibrant ecosystems once thrived. "The land was as sick as I was," Sebastião recalled, "everything was destroyed."

But amidst the devastation, a beacon of hope emerged in the form of Sebastião's wife, Lélia. Refusing to succumb to despair, she envisioned a future where the land would flourish once more.

Thus began their extraordinary journey—a mission to reclaim and restore what had been lost. In 1998, Instituto Terra was born—a non-profit organization dedicated to the restoration and preservation of forests. With unwavering determination, the couple set out to breathe life back into the land.

Armed with saplings, volunteers, and a shared vision, they embarked on the ambitious task of replanting the entire forest. Year after year, their efforts bore fruit.

Two million trees, spanning 293 species, now stand tall, reclaiming 1,502 acres of tropical forest. Where once only dust prevailed, water springs now flow abundantly, nurturing a burgeoning ecosystem.

Today, the forest teems with life—172 species of birds, 33 species of mammals, and 15 species of amphibians and reptiles call it home. Sebastião experienced a profound personal transformation throughout the journey. He reflected on how the reforestation efforts had revitalized him, akin to a rebirth.

At first, many thought it couldn't be done, but Lélia, Sebastião's wife, saw value in trying to bring back the land's lush tropical beauty.

In 1994, after covering Rwanda's conflict, photojournalist Sebastião Salgado returned home to Minas Gerais. Expecting solace in familiar forests, he found devastation. Rapid deforestation had turned lush land barren, leaving only 0.5% forested.

This couple successfully replanted an entire forest after purchasing an old cattle ranch. They mobilized volunteers and secured funding to accomplish their goal.

In 1998, they established Instituto Terra, a non-profit organization dedicated to the restoration and preservation of forests.

The first sapling was planted in 1999, and over the past two decades, the organization has planted more than two million trees comprising 293 species, reviving 1,502 acres of tropical forest.

The work of the Salgados shows how each of us can pitch in to improve our planet, tree by tree.

"Instituto Terra - Institutional Video"

Their mission transcends mere environmental restoration; it embodies the collective strength of humanity and the unwavering resilience of the human spirit. Sebastião and Lélia's journey is a rallying cry for others to join the fight for environmental stewardship, urging us to heed the call of the land and establish a deeper bond with our planet.

Without this vital connection, we risk neglecting our shared duty to protect our world. In a world besieged by environmental crises, the mission of Instituto Terra shines brightly, offering a glimpse of optimism amidst the darkness.

Damjan