Need for S(p)eed
This month, let’s talk about seeds
Hi there,
For several months, we have aimed to spotlight the central aspect of any restoration project in our newsletter: seeds. This month, three news items allow us to put this focus into action! These updates encompass the significant challenges surrounding seeds:
The need for public support, emphasized by the recent statement from the GM of the Brazilian Forest Service in Valor Economico.
The establishment of long-term relationships with seed collectors, the details of which you'll find in a featured journey.
Collaborative research efforts involving these species, with several partnerships already established, notably with UFScar.
Stay tuned,
Pascal Asselin
⚠️ "We do not have enough seedlings today”
A seed germinates within one of our seedpods, which will then be dropped by a drone.
Brazil is at the forefront of forest restoration challenges, as demonstrated by the Amazon summit held in early August. The Brazilian government aims to restore 12 million hectares of degraded forest land by 2030.
However, a problem exists: due to the scarcity of seedlings and seeds, Brazil is currently only capable of restoring 100,000 hectares annually. Garo Batmanian, the current Director-General of the Brazilian Forest Service, recently granted an interview to Valor Economico to address the impending seed shortage.
At MORFO, we believe that the Brazilian government's ambitious goal is achievable under three conditions:
Accelerate seed network chains significantly.
Make more scientific advancements.
Combine new innovative methods with long-proven traditional ones
If this topic piques your interest, we invite you to read Garo Batmanian's interview.
🌱 Let’s focus on the seedlings experts
Cédric, Zacharia, Dave and Thomas.
The future of forests rests in the hands of seed collectors. Today, we want to introduce you to four among the collective group of seed collectors united by MORFO:
Crispim's expertise enables him to identify over 200 distinct seed species within Brazil's Mata Atlantica forest. Consider that a single hectare of Mata Atlantica can house up to 450 tree species, equivalent to all of Europe...
Zacharia, from whom we recently procured 500kg of seeds, has established a network of friends and colleagues in Libreville, Gabon, assisting him in obtaining these invaluable seeds.
Dave, an enthusiastic young agricultural engineer and farmer from Franceville, is also being explored as a potential seed source. On a personal note, we send Dave our warmest wishes for his upcoming wedding ❤️.
Tito, a leader of an agricultural cooperative in Gabon, has successfully transformed it to focus on seed collection.
Our teams are consistently in the field to meet and build lasting relationships with them. To restore our forests, there is NO other solution than supporting individuals like Zacharia, Crispim, Dave, and Darlan. Their expertise is indispensable. Without them, restoration projects are merely words.
🧪 A new scientific partnership for seed technology
The third major challenge concerning seeds is scientific research! Research is now essential to gain a deeper understanding of species, their specificities, and their symbiosis.
On this note, we have exciting news to share with you this month. MORFO and UFSCar have initiated a groundbreaking 14-month research project, spearheaded by esteemed researcher Fatima Piña-Rodrigues.
Some people dedicate their lives to a cause, and Fatima has devoted hers to the forests. An anecdote speaks volumes about her passion: if she dyed her hair red, it wasn't to seek attention (she doesn't need it in her field...). Instead, it was a tribute to a tree she studied for several years. She also did it in homage to the rock singer Rita Lee, but that's another story!
The project aims to develop drone-based technology for carbon sequestration and restoration in dry regions of São Paulo, Brazil. Fatima, a recent presence at the Nativas Congress, was joined by Marie de Lassus, MORFO's partnership manager.
🌳 Other MORFO news this month:
MORFO has secured the prestigious Solar Impulse Efficient Solution Label
We're proud to stand with the 1000+ Solutions Community, leading the charge against environmental and climate challenges. This milestone solidifies our role as pioneers in global reforestation and our commitment to efficiency, carbon reduction, and sustainability. The Solar Impulse Label is focused on both environment and profitability. Assessed by independent experts, it serves as a credible marker of quality to decision-makers in business and governments.
MORFO at Rio.Futuro
"Another World is Possible" was the theme of the 7th edition of Rio.Futuro, a now-revered event focused on technological possibilities and promoting a constructive agenda within today's complex business environment. In this year's event, Grégory Maître, our CEO in Brazil, had the privilege of showcasing MORFO. Many thanks to the organizers!
🔎 You should also read…
Brazil could take the lead and become the first country to completely eliminate its carbon emissions! Read the article here.
How do social considerations improve the equity and effectiveness of ecosystem restoration? Read the study here.
Learn all about how Nature-Based Solutions play a vital role in addressing various societal challenges and resolving environmental problems, by visiting this website.
Why planting tons of trees isn’t enough to solve climate change: “The narrative has to change from tree planting to tree growing.” Read the article here.
Access a EIT Climate-KIC free list of +200 climate events worldwide by clicking here!
🌍 Thank you for reading this newsletter until the end! If you enjoyed it, please share it with your audience, friends, or colleagues. And don’t forget to follow our social media platforms.
We'll be back again in September!
The MORFO team