United Nations recognizes Brazilian network for restoring Cerrado biome

The United Nations recognized the Rede Araticum as a global reference for ecological restoration during the COP17 of the UNCCD in Mongolia.

The Brazilian network coordinates 180 organizations to recover the Cerrado, a savanna biome that has already lost half of its original vegetation. By combining scientific research with traditional knowledge, the initiative integrates indigenous peoples, traditional communities, and rural producers with private companies and government agencies.

This inclusive model helps local communities access funding and public policies while generating income for seed collectors and nursery workers. The network currently manages the restoration of 27,000 hectares of vegetation. The group aims to restore 2 million hectares in the Cerrado by 2030 to help meet Brazil's national goal of recovering 12 million hectares of native vegetation.

The work involves collecting seeds from over 200 native species, a process that provides livelihoods for families, such as those in the Associação Cerrado de Pé, where women perform 70% of the seed collection labor. Despite the international recognition, the network faces hurdles regarding scale and infrastructure. Seed collectors require more predictable demand to plan their harvests, as different species have specific collection seasons. Some organizations also lack technical equipment, such as cold storage, to preserve certain seeds.

The network continues to advocate for more investment in technology and infrastructure to strengthen the entire restoration chain.