Brazilian carbon credit forest project shows promise for atlantic forest restoration in bahia

A groundbreaking reforestation project in Brazil’s Bahia state is demonstrating how carbon credit initiatives can successfully restore degraded ecosystems while generating economic benefits. Located near Eunápolis in southern Bahia, the Ouro Verde farm has transformed 850 acres of unproductive cattle pasture back into thriving Atlantic Forest over just two years.

The restoration effort, led by Brazilian company re.green, has planted more than 60 native species on land that was previously degraded sandy soil. Trees now tower over 13 feet high, creating what project director Miguel Moraes describes as a genuine forest ecosystem. This achievement is particularly significant given that centuries of agricultural clearing have left the Atlantic Forest region fragmented into a patchwork of pastures, monocultures, and damaged land.

The project addresses a critical environmental challenge facing Brazil, where 11-25% of native vegetation suffers from deforestation-related degradation, and 22% of pastureland is severely compromised. Founded in 2021, re.green aims to restore 2.5 million acres of tropical forests across the Amazon and Atlantic Forest regions by selling carbon credits and creating benefits beyond simple carbon capture.

“We’d like to be a leader showing that there are different models of monetizing forests and natural ecosystems that don’t just generate benefits for the climate, but also for people and biodiversity,” Moraes explained. This innovative approach suggests that well-designed carbon credit programs could play a crucial role in Brazil’s ecosystem restoration efforts while providing sustainable economic alternatives to destructive land use practices.