A historic milestone was recently achieved in Misiones: the planting of the 100,000th tree by the Atlantic Forest Restoration Strategy.
Although symbolic, this marks a turning point in the fight to restore one of the planet’s most threatened ecosystems.
The Atlantic Forest Restoration Strategy is led by Aves Argentinas, the Instituto Misionero de la Biodiversidad (IMiBio), and the Ministry of Ecology of Misiones.
After months of intensive work, this alliance managed to recover 246 hectares of forest.
100,000 trees to recover an ecosystem on the brink of collapse
The Atlantic Forest extends through Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay and is home to unique species such as the jaguar, toucans, and lapachos.
However, only 7% of its original area remains, making it one of the world’s forests with the greatest biodiversity, but also one of the most threatened.
This ecosystem, which once covered vast regions of northeastern Argentina, is now one of the most fragmented on the planet.
Therefore, the planting of 100,000 native trees required an unprecedented mobilization.
27 trucks loaded with seedlings were used, and a team of 30 people dedicated more than 480 hours to planning and planting.
More than 37 species of native trees planted
The initiative planted more than 37 emblematic species of the Misiones forest. Among them, the following stand out:
- lapacho
- petiribí
- yvyrá pytá
- timbó
- yacaratiá
Threatened species such as the rosewood and the palmito, vital for biodiversity, were also included.
Each of these seedlings is a firm step towards the restoration of a stronger and more resilient ecosystem.
“The restoration of environments is essential for the future of bird species that depend on the Atlantic Forest to nest, feed, and survive,” said Hernán Casañas, executive director of Aves Argentinas.
For his part, José Beamonte, in charge of environmental restoration and sustainable development at Aves Argentinas, stated: “Each tree we plant is another step towards a future where the Atlantic Forest becomes a corridor of life again.”
“This milestone fills us with pride and drives us to continue working alongside IMiBio and the Ministry of Ecology, demonstrating that restoration is possible when science, public policies, and citizen commitment come together,” he added.
The 100,000th tree symbolizes not only an environmental achievement but also the collective effort of local communities, technicians, volunteers, and organizations.
The symbolic planting of the 100,000th tree took place this Tuesday, October 21, at the Parque del Conocimiento in Posadas.
The participatory restoration day brought together institutional representatives, students, volunteers, and local residents.
The importance of restoring the Atlantic Forest
The recovery of 246 hectares of forest benefits both nature and local communities.
The Atlantic Forest is key to conserving biodiversity and addressing the climate crisis through local action.
Each tree planted contributes to restoring a stronger and more resilient ecosystem.
The goal is for the Atlantic Forest to regain its function as a corridor of life, biodiversity, and opportunities for those who inhabit it.
Aves Argentinas, with over 100 years of experience and 4000 members, is a member of BirdLife International, the world’s largest network of organizations dedicated to nature conservation.
The organization works in favor of more than 1000 species of wild birds and their habitats throughout the country.
It develops conservation projects and actions, research, education, and outreach alongside researchers, volunteers, technicians, and more than 80 Birdwatching Clubs.
It contributes to the conservation of habitats, identifying, monitoring, and restoring important areas for bird conservation.
It protects sites and promotes the care of these key areas for biodiversity, promoting public policies and creating urban reserves and National Parks.
It carries out conservation projects in Patagonia, the Atlantic Forest, and the pampas.
It works to prevent the extinction of species, improve the conservation status of threatened birds, and prevent an increase in endangered species.
In recent years, it has actively worked on the conservation of threatened species such as the hooded grebe, the yellow cardinal, the black-browed albatross, and the yellow cardinal.
All conservation projects incorporate education, outreach, and research with a strong emphasis on relationships with local residents.
