| Summary |
Summary
The Community Reforestation Project was created in 1986 by the Municipal Government of Rio de Janeiro to recover the Atlantic Forest reversing urban deforestation and also to improve the socio-economic conditions of the low-income settlements of the hillsides called favelas. The project uses paid local labor recruited and managed by community leaders through the Residents' Associations, increasing employment in the targeted areas.
As of 1997, the Community Reforestation Project had directly affected 57 communities with 140,000 occupants and an impact on residents below the favelas as well.
Additionally, 1,200,000 seedlings have been planted in a total area of 670 hectares by 520 local workers. In terms of the benefits from reforestation, extensive re-growth and a return of wild life has occurred. Over time, flora and fauna have returned to the area, with bird-carried seeds adding to the biodiversity of the growing forests. Water springs have regenerated and noticeable micro-climatic change has occurred, with reforested areas providing shade and improving soil and air quality. Additionally, reforestation has helped to prevent erosion, flooding from heavy rainfall, and the population of high-risk hillside areas.
As a result of its success, this project has been established citywide. Reducing risk and improving the quality of life for favela's residents, this project has successfully involved poor communities in a partnership, which benefits both the city and low-income settlements. This partnership is the root of the program's success both as a reforestation project and as a poverty alleviation project.
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