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| Guapi Assu Reserve, Brazil (1/2) |  |
| A Summary for Karma Insurance |
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The World Land Trust is working with its partner organisation, REGUA (Reserva Ecologica de Guapi Assu), to extend its reserve of Atlantic rainforest or Mata atlantica. This valuable ecosystem has suffered from severe loss of forest habitat with just 7% of the original area remaining. This has led to the Atlantic Rainforest being considered one of the most endangered eco-regions in the world. The Guapi Assu Reserve is situated in an area of high biodiversity, with many endemic plants and animals. The focus of this project is now to expand the reserve, to restore wetland that had been drained, and to embark on reforestation, species reintroduction, biodiversity monitoring and local education programmes.
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| The Reserva Ecologica De GUAPI ASSU |
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| The site is situated approximately 80km North-East of Rio de Janeiro. The Reserve is adjacent to the “3 Picos State Park”, which enhances the potential for preserving wildlife within the Reserve as animals can move between the Reserve and the Park, increasing the protected area available to them. |
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| 1. Expansion and Protection of the Forest |
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The first aim of the project is to provide protection to the forest to prevent further deforestation and disturbance. The Reserve currently comprises of 5,500 hectares (ha) of forest with the aim to purchase further areas of land as funds are raised. Adjacent areas of forest have been identified which would bring the total size of the Reserve to approximately 8,000 ha.
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Expanding the Reserve will allow it to support viable populations of the area’s biodiversity, ensuring them a safe future. In addition to this, the goal is to extend the Reserve boundaries to join with the Primatology Centre to the South-West.
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Five rangers are currently employed to patrol the Reserve, to prevent poaching and habitat destruction. The rangers were all previously local hunters and so providing them with alternative employment has reduced the pressure on the Reserve and the surrounding forest. The proposed plan is to employ two further rangers to ensure that the site is being effectively protected.
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| 2. Habitat Restoration and Species Reintroduction |
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A large part of the São José Farm on the Reserve was previously lowland wetland, with a variety of exotic trees, orchids and bromeliads. Unfortunately, it was cut, drained and turned into pasture more than 30 years ago. A wetland restoration programme is taking place to restore the natural habitat by flooding the land. So far, REGUA have restored one area of wetland and a further dam is in the process of being completed, which will flood another area to create wetland habitat. Wetlands are highly productive habitats that support many plant and animal species.
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One of the wetland areas is situated close to the lodge and will be used as an education tool for the local communities and schools to demonstrate why wetland is important to wildlife.
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A reforestation programme will also take place on the site, focussing on hardwoods and pioneer tree species to restore areas of forest that have previously been selectively logged. So far, more than 8,000 trees have been planted with the aim to plant a further 8,500 trees in 2006.
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There is potential for reintroductions within the Reserve involving some of the species that have been lost to the area due to hunting in the past.
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| The average family throws out six trees in packaging and waste paper every year – please respect our environment and be green by example, only print this information and attachments if you have to. Thank you. |
| Every £100.00 you spend with Karma helps the World Land Trust to conserve our environment.
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