The Guapi-Mirim Environmental Protection Area, in the Rio de Janeiro metropolitan region, is once again receiving residents who had not frequented the area for a long time; the region encompasses mangroves in Guanabara Bay. These are birds, crabs, spiders, and butterflies that feel welcomed again in an ecosystem that, after years of degradation, is showing signs of regeneration.
The people describing and confirming this new scenario are the managers of the Projeto Uçá, from the NGO Guardiões do Mar in partnership with Petrobras, through the Programa Petrobras Socioambiental. The project works on mangrove restoration and has been monitoring biodiversity, soil, and water data in the Guapi-Mirim APA since 2022.
According to the organizers, the return of the animals indicates an increase in biodiversity and environmental rebalancing. In the case of the sailor crab, reforestation was decisive, as they need the trees for locomotion. Butterflies also reappeared as soon as the mangroves showed significant growth. And spiders are responsible for controlling pests that can harm the ecosystem.
Other animals that have been appearing more frequently include capybaras, lesser anteaters, coatis, egrets, and the uçá crab.
To date, 62 species of birds, mammals, and crustaceans have been recorded in the reforested areas. Highlighted are those at the top of the food chain, such as the little blue heron, great white egret, and the mão-pelada mammal.
Reforestation began between 2015 and 2016. According to the Projeto Uçá, they are already at a considered good size, between 8 and 10 meters tall, which is an indication of successful reforestation.
Bird Monitoring
Bird monitoring by the Projeto Uçá is considered one of the technical pillars for measuring environmental recovery. Photographic and auditory records are made, with the help of apps like Merlin and WikiAves, as well as the use of cameras with telephoto lenses for more precise species records.
Calculations indicate that birds only started reappearing after the mangrove vegetation reached a height of 3 meters or more. One example was the rare record of the figuinha-do-mangue, which is on the list of endangered species.
The project also celebrates records of the Batuíra-de-bando (Charadrius semipalmatus) – a migratory species from the Northern Hemisphere –, the Periquitão (Psittacara leucophthalmus), and the Carrapateiro (Milvago chimachima). The last two are species at risk from hunting and trafficking.
Traditional Knowledge
The Projeto Uçá used restoration techniques developed from local traditional knowledge. Instead of producing seedlings in a nursery, the project adopted transplantation: removing young seedlings from the mother plant and replanting them directly in the field. This enabled losses to be reduced to less than 6%.
According to the president of the NGO Guardiões do Mar, Pedro Belga, the project also enables local economic development. One example is the possibility of capturing crabs, which is the livelihood base for many families.
“The true success of restoration depends on the participation of traditional communities and the empowerment of those living in impacted areas. They are the greatest defenders of the territory,” said Pedro Belga.
Source: Agência Brasil