Guanabara Bay mangrove reforestation shows signs of recovery

A degraded mangrove area in Guanabara Bay, Rio de Janeiro, is showing signs of recovery following three years of reforestation efforts. The project focuses on approximately 400 square meters along the Caceribu River within the Guapi-Mirim Environmental Protection Area (APA).

Since June 2023, roughly 1,250 seedlings of three native species—black, white, and red mangroves—have been planted. Some trees have already reached heights of about three meters. The initiative is led by Projeto Meros do Brasil, sponsored by Petrobras through its Socioenvironmental Program, in partnership with Cooperativa Manguezal Fluminense and the Rede de Conservação Águas da Guanabara (REDAGUA).

In addition to manual planting, natural regeneration has been observed through the emergence of new plants and propagules. The restoration utilizes a technique where young plants are transplanted from preserved areas to degraded sections. This intervention aims to support species that depend on the ecosystem, such as the grouper (Epinephelus itajara), which can weigh over 400 kilograms.