Fiotec collaborators Maria Aparecida Silva, Project Manager, and Andréia Pinto, Project Analyst, were at Fiocruz Campus in the Atlantic Forest (CFMA) in a meeting with a consultant of the National Bank of Economic and Social Development (BNDES) to align details on the implementation of the project “Ecological restoration of 344 hectares of Atlantic Forest with native species; Reactivation of the Garden School of Fiocruz Campus of the Atlantic Forest”.

BNDES is financing the initiative, developed by the Fiocruz Presidency and supported by Fiotec. The proposal is to create sustainable models for the restoration and conservation of environmental services of the Pedra Branca Massif, place covering the newly installed CFMA. The focus is the revitalization of micro-basins of Engenho Novo and Pavuninha rivers, besides ensuring the supply of seeds of forest species naturally occurring in the region with genetics quality for seedlings production to be used in this and other restorations.

In 2011, a phytosociological (study of plant associations) survey was conducted in areas where will be developed ecological restoration. This work was the initial basis for the construction of the list of forest native species that will be used in this project for planting, density and enrichment. The species survey, which includes collection and identification of plant material, are still continually in progress with the goal of increasing the list of species available for restoration and future matrices for seeds.

Also included are endangered species and with medicinal potential, which are of great interest to Fiocruz, who also works with the manufacture of drugs. Currently, the main activities are related to restoration and forest services, such as species survey and mapping of areas to be restored. Having a partner the Research Institute of the Botanical Garden, will be offered courses of Nurserymen and Ecological Restoration in the Garden School, with some places available for the participation of local residents.

Garden School

Another activity that will be developed is the adequacy of architectural design of the buildings surrounding the Garden, which will be used as administrative headquarters. Actions include lighting the sidewalks surrounding the buildings and enclosure perimeter, project definition to supply telephone and electric switchboards and with new ways of distribution and new specification of materials, among others.