28 Apr Progress Transformation: Check How the Area Reforested by Canopée Looks Almost Two Years After Planting Over 1000 Seedlings
Two years ago, Canopée joined the Carbon Zero Program at the Federal University of Viçosa (UFV) and initiated the process of offsetting greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from its operations. It all began with the development of a detailed inventory of GHG emissions related to the company’s activities in 2021, based on information collected from Canopée’s employees.
After identifying and measuring Canopée’s CO₂eq emission sources in the inventory, we determined the ideal number of seedlings to be planted to achieve offsetting over a period of 30 years. Initially, we calculated that 74 trees would be needed. However, Canopée decided to go beyond compensation, exceeding this number by more than 13 times, choosing to create an arboretum that would offer additional benefits to the environment and science.
With the goal in mind, 1,023 seedlings of native species were planted in an area of 8,000 m² provided by UFV for this purpose. This specific area was previously occupied by Pinus sp. trees, which were severely damaged by a strong storm that hit the campus in October 2019, leaving the soil without vegetation. Currently, the site is transforming into a beautiful planting of native species from the Brazilian Atlantic Forest.
After 24 months of planting the seedlings, it’s time to assess the growth and survival of plant species, obtaining the initial data for this project that will be part of a study on forest restoration and carbon sequestration, as well as offsetting Canopée’s carbon emissions.
The first forest inventory of Canopée’s Offset Planting was carried out in the total area of 0.8 hectares. We opted for 100% inventory (census), meaning that all trees present were sampled. To obtain the necessary measurements, a graduated pole and tape measure were used, allowing for the measurement of total height and circumference at breast height (CBH), respectively. The information collected for each tree included the common name, CBH, and total height. Botanical identification was performed based on the technical knowledge of those involved in the activity.
During the inventory, a total of 717 individuals were recorded, with 485 being pioneer species, 220 secondary species, and 12 unidentified. The failure rate, corresponding to approximately 30% mortality, can be considered relatively high but is justified by the dry planting season.
The most common species in the planting was the Red Angico, with a total of 132 individuals. Their heights ranged from 25 to 300 cm, while the circumference at breast height (CBH) ranged from 1.5 to 15 cm.
In second place, we found the Ipê-tabaco, which was also the most frequent species among secondary species. A total of 102 individuals were counted, with heights ranging from 15 to 250 cm and CBH between 2 and 16 cm.
The third most found species in the planting was the Cutieira, with a total of 93 individuals. Heights ranged from 30 to 480 cm, while CBH ranged from 2.5 to 39 cm.
The Guapuruvu stands out, presenting the highest height and CBH measurements, with 625 cm and 43 cm, respectively. A total of 79 individuals of this species were registered, with heights ranging from 70 to 625 cm and CBH between 3.5 and 43 cm.
Collecting information from all individuals required three days of work. The team proved to be efficient in making decisions in the face of challenges encountered, such as displaced lines due to the area’s terrain and the presence of pine stumps. Identifying individuals and lines is important to facilitate future activities at the site. The placement of stakes in the planting will be planned.
It was observed that secondary species had a higher representation in the mortality rate, as expected. However, surviving individuals tend to develop better from this stage of planting.
In summary, Canopée’s planting inventory provided valuable information on the growth, survival, and distribution of plant species in this forest restoration area. This data will be an integral part of an innovative study on forest restoration and carbon sequestration, contributing to the offsetting of Canopée’s carbon emissions. Based on these results, it is expected that the planting will continue to thrive, promoting ecosystem recovery and contributing to a more sustainable future.