With drones, reforestation in areas affected by the tragedy in São Sebastião enters final phase

Photo: Disclosure/Prefeitura de São Sebastião

Capsules with native tree species were released in areas affected by the landslides that devastated the city in February of last year.

The first phase of the project that aims to reforest devastated areas by the storm that hit São Sebastião (SP) last year has entered its final phase. On Thursday (7), the environmental agents involved in the project carried out the last sowing.

Biodegradable capsules with native Atlantic Forest tree species were launched using drones over areas of vegetation that were destroyed after the 2023 rainstorm.

Drone replanting trees in areas affected by landslides in São Sebastião — Photo: Disclosure/ICC

According to the Coastal Conservation Institute (ICC), responsible for the work along with the Forestry Foundation, about 200 hectares of deforested areas in the city due to the historic storm are being restored.

“It was the first stage of dispersion, which is to release the capsules in all the areas mapped by the Forestry Foundation and the Coastal Conservation Institute. Over two thousand flights were carried out, with almost one and a half tons of biocapsules. It is a complex task that lasted more than ten months. Now the most important part is monitoring, following how nature will react,” says Gabriel Estevam, corporate director of research, development, and innovation at Ambipar.

Capsule with native species launched in São Sebastião (SP) — Photo: João Mota/TV Vanguarda

The biocapsules were developed by Ambipar from collagen waste from pharmaceutical industries, combined with Ecosolo, a soil conditioner made from organic waste from the pulp industry. So far, more than one ton of seeds has been applied to 850 areas.

Project Start

The project to replant and reforest the areas affected by the historic rainstorm in São Sebastião started being developed last year.

The first phase of the project, which consists of sowing, began in January of this year.

Now, the work will focus on monitoring and developing the species, which can also help prevent future landslides in the Costa Sul hills.

Drone replanting trees in areas affected by landslides in São Sebastião — Photo: Reproduction/TV Vanguarda

Drone replanting trees in areas affected by landslides in São Sebastião — Photo: Disclosure/Atlântica Environmental Consulting

Drone replants trees in areas affected by landslides in São Sebastião — Photo: Divulgação/Ambipar

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