First Planting Ilha do Amor

On February 4, 2022, we were honored to participate in a sacred tree planting ceremony on Ilha do Amor (Island of Love), marking our first restoration initiative at this ecologically significant site (Photos 1 to 8). This event represented more than just planting trees – it was a profound act of cultural and environmental healing for land that faces increasing pressure from tourism and climate change.

The musical ceremony was beautifully led by Neca Borari, Chief of the local Borari Indigenous community, with drumming accompaniment by Juvenal Ferreira, also from the community. The rhythmic beats and traditional songs created a powerful connection between participants and the land, honoring ancestral traditions of environmental stewardship.

ACRAA contributed five large Cumandá seedlings for this inaugural planting. These were particularly special as we planted them alongside their parent trees [1], ensuring genetic continuity and respecting the Borari people’s deep knowledge of native species. Each sapling was carefully placed in locations selected by Neca [2], following traditional wisdom about land use and ecosystem needs.

To protect the young trees from the island’s heavy foot traffic and harsh sun exposure, we installed specially designed wooden box-structures around each sapling. This solution addressed one of the key challenges of restoration in high-visitation areas.

Documenting the Journey
The photos below capture this meaningful day, including a video of the very first tree being planted (note: no subtitles available) [3]. We also included follow-up documentation showing the trees’ progress after three weeks (Photo 9) and ten weeks (Photo 10), demonstrating how these protected saplings were adapting to their environment.

Why This Matters
Ilha do Amor faces urgent ecological threats – from erosion caused by boat traffic to vegetation loss from uncontrolled tourism. Our partnership with the Borari community combines modern conservation techniques with Indigenous land management practices, creating a model for sustainable restoration that honors both ecological and cultural needs. This first planting ceremony established the foundation for what has grown into a multi-year restoration initiative that continues to this day.