Native Plant Nursery and Environmental Education for Atlantic Forest Restoration

Brazil – Northern Coast of São Paulo State

Conservation • Restoration • Environmental Education • Community Engagement

Project Story

The Native Plant Nursery of Nandé Tekoá Sustainable Reserve was created in response to the urgent need to restore degraded areas of the Atlantic Forest and protect Restinga ecosystems, one of the most threatened coastal environments in Brazil. Developed by Instituto Mar Atlântico, the project combines ecological restoration, environmental education, native plant production, research, and community participation to promote a harmonious relationship between people and nature.

Over the years, we have witnessed the impacts of unplanned urban expansion, habitat fragmentation, invasive species, and the gradual loss of ecosystem services that support local biodiversity. In response, we envisioned a permanent space dedicated not only to producing native plants but also to fostering environmental awareness and a culture of ecological regeneration.

The nursery serves as a living laboratory where restoration, education, and community action come together to strengthen the resilience of coastal ecosystems and inspire long-term environmental stewardship.

Our Mission

Our mission is to restore Atlantic Forest ecosystems, particularly Restinga habitats, through native plant propagation, transformative environmental education, and active community engagement.

We believe that effective conservation depends on building lasting connections between people and the landscapes they inhabit. Through hands-on experiences, educational programs, and restoration activities, we empower individuals to become active participants in protecting and regenerating their natural environment.

Context and Problem Statement

The Atlantic Forest is one of the most biodiverse ecosystems on Earth, yet it is also one of the most endangered. Along Brazil's coastline, Restinga ecosystems play a crucial role in protecting soils, conserving biodiversity, regulating water cycles, and buffering coastal areas against erosion and climate impacts.

However, decades of urbanization, land-use change, habitat loss, invasive species, and inadequate environmental management have significantly degraded these ecosystems. As native vegetation declines, biodiversity is reduced, ecosystem resilience weakens, and communities become increasingly disconnected from the natural systems that sustain them.

At the same time, access to environmental education and practical opportunities for ecological engagement remains limited for many local residents, especially young people.

The Solution

The Native Plant Nursery serves as a strategic tool for ecological restoration and environmental education.

The project focuses on the responsible collection of native seeds, propagation of Atlantic Forest and Restinga species, sustainable nursery management, and the implementation of reforestation and habitat restoration initiatives.

At the same time, the nursery functions as an educational center where students, volunteers, educators, researchers, and community members can learn directly from nature and participate in restoration efforts.

Every seed collected and every seedling produced contributes to restoring habitats, increasing biodiversity, and strengthening ecosystem services that support both wildlife and human well-being.

Opportunity

The nursery creates a permanent platform for environmental education, community-based conservation, scientific research, and regenerative tourism.

Students gain practical knowledge about ecological processes. Researchers have access to a living restoration site. Local residents and visitors participate in workshops, volunteer programs, guided experiences, and restoration events.

The project also expands the availability of native plants for restoration initiatives in schools, protected areas, public spaces, community projects, and private properties, creating long-term ecological and social benefits throughout the region.

How We Regenerate

Our regenerative approach integrates multiple strategies:

Native Atlantic Forest and Restinga plant propagation
Ethical and sustainable native seed collection
Ecological restoration of degraded landscapes
Invasive species management and replacement with native vegetation
Composting and organic waste recovery
Experiential environmental education
Training of environmental leaders and community stewards
Strengthening local ecological knowledge
Community participation through volunteer restoration activities
Integration of culture, territory, and biodiversity conservation

We recognize that restoring ecosystems also means strengthening the human relationships that ensure their long-term protection.

Impact Monitoring

The project employs environmental and social monitoring systems to evaluate its effectiveness and guide adaptive management.

Indicators include:

Number of seeds collected
Number of seedlings produced
Diversity of native species propagated
Area restored
Seedling survival rates
Participation of students, volunteers, and community members
Number of workshops, educational activities, and guided visits
Volume of organic waste composted
Growth in environmental awareness and engagement among participants

In addition to quantitative indicators, we collect stories, testimonials, and community feedback to better understand the broader social and cultural impacts of ecological restoration.

Our Experience

Instituto Mar Atlântico has been developing environmental and community-based initiatives since 2000, focusing on biodiversity conservation, environmental education, ecological restoration, and community engagement.

Through Nandé Tekoá Sustainable Reserve, we have implemented projects involving habitat restoration, native species conservation, composting, environmental interpretation, educational visits, workshops, volunteer programs, and community outreach activities focused on the Atlantic Forest ecosystem.

More than two decades of experience have enabled us to build a strong network of partners, educators, researchers, volunteers, and local stakeholders committed to environmental regeneration and sustainable development.

Our Native Plant Nursery represents the next step in this journey: a place where every seed nurtured contributes to restoring landscapes, strengthening communities, and ensuring that the Atlantic Forest continues to thrive for future generations.