Reforesting area affected by Mariana tragedy to demand 20 million seedlings

The collapse of a dam in the city of Mariana, Minas Gerais, occurred in November 5, 2015, turned into the biggest environmental tragedy in Brazilian history. The breach led to the destruction of some two thousand hectares of vegetation surrounding the dam, which belongs to mining giant Samarco, among other losses.

In order to remedy the damages to the environment, the Renova Foundation, created by the mining firm to administer the repair efforts, reported that it will not just reforest the region devastated by the release of over 60 million cubic meters of waste into the local environment.  The foundation will reforest over 40 thousand hectares, encompassing a total 42 thousand hectares, which goes beyond the area affected by the incident. To meet this goal, the foundation will avail itself of up to 20 million native seedlings, chiefly derived from the Atlantic Forest.

The reforestation project will include a survey to be conducted this month across the Doce River basin to locate vivariums with seedlings in the area. The restoration efforts should also entail the direct planting of 10 thousand hectares. In the remaining 30 thousand hectares, natural regeneration is expected to be conducted. The project will further cover 5 thousand springs, where trees from the surroundings will be brought over for planting nearby.

In addition to devastating the native vegetation, the mud polluted the Doce River basin, destroyed whole communities and caused the death of 19 people. Neighboring municipalities were also impacted.

The Renova Foundation estimates that the seedlings may add up to $16 million in costs. Mapping out the vivariums will be done in two stages. First, data are being gathered on the vivariums. Then, the vivarium specialists will be interviewed on production capacity and technical specifics to subsequently serve the demand required by the reforestation project.

Translated by Fabrício Ferreira