‍The Location‍

📍 Maranhão, Brazil

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On the southern edge of the Amazon rainforest lies the Primera Cruz Mangrove Site in Maranhão—one of the most ecologically important and socially vulnerable regions in Brazil.

Although Brazil is home to 40% of the world’s remaining rainforest and 15% of its biodiversity, this region is facing rapid deforestation and economic hardship.

Maranhão has Brazil’s lowest Human Development Index, and the coastal communities here, primarily made up of Quilombolas—descendants of escaped slaves—depend heavily on fishing for their livelihood.

These communities now face mounting threats to their land and way of life due to illegal logging, charcoal production, and salt extraction.

The surrounding mangrove forests are among the most carbon-rich ecosystems on Earth, storing over 1.4 billion tons of carbon and serving as vital nurseries for endangered species.‍

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The Problem‍

Maranhão’s mangrove ecosystems are being degraded at alarming rates due to:

• Illegal tree removal for firewood, housing, and charcoal
• Legacy impacts from salt production
• Urban and infrastructure expansion
• Socioeconomic vulnerability and lack of alternative livelihoods

As mangroves vanish, fish populations decline, biodiversity suffers, and coastal communities lose both their food security and economic stability. The ecological and human consequences are deeply intertwined.‍

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The Solution‍

This project is focused on restoring mangroves, revitalizing wildlife habitats, and creating sustainable jobs for local people—especially women and fishers.

Restoration activities include:

• Planting three native mangrove species: Rhizophora mucronata, Avicennia germinans, and Laguncularia racemosa
• Using geospatial data to track and monitor progress
• Reconnecting fragmented estuaries and wildlife corridors
• Training local communities in sustainable fishing and responsible wood use
• Creating pathways for ecotourism, which brings long-term economic opportunity

In partnership with Restoration Era, the project aligns environmental action with community development.‍

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Partners

Restoration Era and local fishing cooperatives

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What is Mangrove Restoration?‍

Mangrove restoration is the process of replanting and protecting coastal forests that serve as powerful carbon sinks and critical wildlife habitats.

Mangroves:

• Absorb more carbon per hectare than rainforests
• Protect coastlines from storm surges and erosion
• Provide nursery grounds for fish and marine life
• Filter pollutants and improve water quality

In Brazil, restoring mangroves also helps reconnect the Jaguar Corridor—a critical habitat link from Mexico to Argentina.

While jaguars are most associated with dense forests, these apex predators use mangroves as fringe ecosystems rich with prey and shelter.

Restoring mangroves in Maranhão strengthens this network and supports broader biodiversity conservation.

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The Impact

• 0.31 tonnes of CO2 sequestered per tree
• 80% estimated survivability
• 20 work days created per 10,000 trees planted
• 1 hectare restored per 10,000 trees
• Support for species like Goliath Giant Grouper, Manatees, Harpy Eagles, and Jaguars
• Over 50% of staff are women, promoting inclusive employment

Fun Fact: Over 50% of the world’s jaguar population lives in Brazil, but nearly half of their habitat has already been lost.

Restoring Maranhão’s mangroves helps reconnect safe zones across the jaguar’s range and reduces human-wildlife conflict.

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Verification Partner‍

All restoration data is tracked through geospatial data layers and verified by our partners in the field.

This ensures high survivability rates, effective habitat regeneration, and measurable carbon capture.

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Planting Timeline‍

🌱 January – June

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Sustainable Development Goals Supported‍

🚫 No Poverty
🥘 Zero Hunger
⚖️ Reduced Inequalities
🌍 Climate Action
🐟 Life Below Water
🌳 Life on Land

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How You Can Help‍

Ecodrive enables your business to fund mangrove restoration in Brazil—seamlessly and meaningfully.

Connect customer actions like purchases, reviews, or signups to verified reforestation efforts. Every tree planted restores habitat, supports local jobs, and locks away carbon—while helping preserve Brazil’s irreplaceable biodiversity.

Ecodrive integrates with your Shopify or e-commerce platform and gives you marketing tools, impact tracking, and live verification to proudly share your story.

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