Xokleng Indigenous people plant thousands of critically endangered pine in Brazil

The Xokleng Indigenous community in Santa Catarina, southern Brazil, has embarked on an ambitious project to restore a critically endangered native tree species, planting nearly 100,000 seedlings of the Araucaria angustifolia, also known as the Brazilian pine. This majestic tree can reach heights of over 50 meters, boasting a straight trunk and a broad crown of branches near the top.

Historically, Araucária pine forests stretched across vast areas of southern Brazil, but due to human activity, their range has dwindled by a staggering 97% over the past century.

Carl Gakran, the executive director of the Zág Institute, spearheaded the restoration initiative in 2016 after learning that the Brazilian pine had been classified as critically endangered by the IUCN Red List. The institute, co-founded by Carl's wife Isabel, aims to expand the replanting efforts. The project began modestly with Carl planning to grow just 10 trees on his property, but gained significant momentum within the community, leading to its expansion in the following year.

Araucária pine trees yield edible nuts, known as pinhão, which form an integral part of the culinary traditions in southern Brazil. These nuts are also consumed by at least 22 other animal species. The project organizers and volunteers are cautious not to harvest more than 40% of the seeds, ensuring the preservation of wildlife. They honor their elders' traditions by communicating with the seeds, explaining the restoration process, and performing harvest rituals before collecting the remaining 60% of the seeds.

Carl Gakran eloquently expressed the dual threat faced by the Araucária pine and his people, stating, "Just as our pine is endangered, my people are also endangered, and consequently our language and culture are endangered." The Xokleng Indigenous people's commitment to reviving this vital species underscores the importance of preserving not only biodiversity but also the rich cultural heritage of indigenous communities in Brazil.