Brazil Plants One Billionth Tree in Amazon Reforestation Drive

Brazil has planted its one billionth native tree as part of the most ambitious reforestation program in the Amazon's history. The milestone was reached on a former cattle ranch in Pará state, where indigenous Kayapó communities led the planting ceremony. Since 2023, the program has restored 30,000 square kilometres of degraded land — an area roughly the size of Belgium — using exclusively native species selected for their ecological value.

"Every tree is a step toward healing the lungs of the planet," said Environment Minister Marina Silva. Satellite data confirms that restored areas are already showing measurable increases in rainfall, biodiversity, and carbon sequestration. The initiative has created over 45,000 rural jobs and is funded through a combination of carbon credits, international grants, and a new deforestation tax on soy and beef exports.

“The milestone was reached on a former cattle ranch in Pará state, where indigenous Kayapó communities led the planting ceremony.”