Planting noble, native and fruit trees promotes the revitalization and recovery of springs in the New Earth Light-Community. 

“Water is a sacred and essential element for us. And springs also have a very special symbolism – water that springs from the ground and quenches the thirst of animals and ourselves.” – Friar Paulo Mateus (OGM)

The power of unity for the planet


With the aim of recovering and protecting biodiversity and springs in the Recanto dos Pássaros Permanent Protection Area, in the New Earth Light-Community, affiliated with the Fraternity – International Humanitarian Federation (FIHF), a joint effort by the Water Sector and the Plant Kingdom Sector brought together, in the months of December and January, residents, members of the monastery, collaborators and members of the Light-Network in large reforestation efforts. The initiative involved fencing off springs and planting seeds and seedlings of fruit trees, as well as crops such as cassava, sweet potatoes and beans.

“It was very beautiful, well organized in the sense that we had prepared the soil in advance and collected trees, both those donated and those we had acquired in the previous weeks,” said Friar Paulo Mateus.

The action added 600 new trees to the local ecosystem, seeds of various species and food that can be harvested over time, contributing to the preservation of biodiversity and the protection of springs.

“This joint effort was part of a series of stages: pruning and clearing the land, building the fence, using the tractor to prepare the soil, planting trees, seeds and seedlings, crops and green manure, weeding and management, pruning, building fences and using the tractor, among others. It was a process that lasted months and began with the visualization and planning of the action until its completion. Planting represented the final stage.” – Enoc, member of the New Earth Light-Community.

Choosing the species


Approximately 95% of the species chosen were native, with the aim of reintroducing trees that were no longer present and strengthening local biodiversity. Species from the Atlantic Forest, fruit trees, honey trees and others with the capacity to contribute to soil balance and the water cycle were planted. The seedlings were obtained through donations and direct purchase, as well as from seeds sown in the Light-Community nursery.

Friar Paulo Mateus emphasized that there are other areas to be reforested, so that the original biodiversity can be recovered. “With this planting mission, we seek to form a more diversified ecosystem, allowing native trees to spread naturally, contributing to environmental balance and the richness of local flora.”

Caring for the Earth and the Earth caring for us

The project is based on revitalization and preservation in collaboration with the natural intelligence of nature itself.

The reforestation followed the principles of syntropic agriculture, which imitates the natural succession of forests and promotes the recovery of degraded areas, interacting with the environment through management practices that help trees establish themselves with a greater degree of success. “By reestablishing the natural order of the forest and introducing several native plants, we attract more life and stimulate their reproduction. This small forest that we planted will become a center of regeneration, as birds and animals will take the seeds to other areas,” declared Enoc.

Planting with seeds in the Recanto dos Pássaros PPA 

In addition to planting the trees, “muvucas” were sown, an indigenous method that consists of forming a composition of seeds of different species. In this case, several species of trees were grown in a line, following the path of the seedlings, which ensures the establishment of the species in the location.

Another crop was also sown between the tree lines, using grains for green manure, such as beans, corn, sunflowers, pumpkins and legumes, which quickly covered the soil, favored biological processes and, in addition, produced food for the community.

Monitoring growth

In a few months, it is expected that the soil will be more fertile, the springs will grow and food production will improve, in addition to strengthening the fauna and flora. Management will be ongoing, monitoring the development of the trees and natural cycles.

“Permanent Integration Area” – Conscious care for the planet

The proposal encourages a new way of relating to nature, one that is more practical, conscious and integrated.

“There are species that attract certain forms of animal life, just as there are trees that contribute to the Mineral Kingdom, and vice versa. Everything is interconnected,” stated Enoc.

The presence of trees brings countless benefits, such as erosion control, soil fertility, bee attraction, fauna reproduction and regulation of the water cycle. Therefore, care for PPAs is also care for all life.

“It’s not exactly a PPA in the traditional sense. We often imagine an untouched area, but here it’s an ‘area of ​​permanent integration’, where humans act in favor of nature. The idea is to integrate ourselves into its processes, collaborating in its development.” – Friar Paulo Mateus (OGM).

Planning for the future


The initiative was born a few years ago, with the aim of preserving and guaranteeing the water supply for plantations from this spring. Two years ago, a spring water collection system, known as “caxambu”, was implemented, which is now protected by the fence and reforestation.

“When the trees are large and developed, the interaction will be more contemplative. Until then, many years will be spent in collaboration with nature, harvesting food, caring for the seedlings and carrying out management and pruning that will allow more light to enter and give the trees the space they need to grow,” explained Friar Paulo Mateus.

New ideas are already being thought of. “We want to plant juçaras, a palm tree native to the Atlantic Forest that is always associated with springs and the presence of water. The idea is to wait for the trees to grow and create a semi-shaded and humid environment so that the juçaras can establish themselves in the area,” commented Enoc.

Challenges and learning


“There were many challenges, but the effort was worth it. Seeing the greenery, the flowers and the fruits, and watching the growth of each seedling we planted brings great satisfaction. And the challenges were overcome by the strength of the group.” – Friar Paulo Mateus (OGM).

“One lesson I learned was having seen the Light-Community mobilize during my absence. It was beautiful to see the group supporting everything, showing that no one is indispensable, but everyone is necessary. With love and perseverance, everything will flow,” adds Enoc.

Sowing a new life


“The importance of planting fruit and native trees is fundamental for the fauna, flora and bees. Many species will benefit, including ourselves.” – Friar Paulo Mateus (OGM).

“We trust that it will be like a new seeding of life. This forest will recover its original nature, with more birds and more water. It is already happening.” – Enoc.

Relearning to regenerate, restore, preserve

Learning from the Earth’s cycles is what is built into each project in the New Earth Light-Community. Cultivating not only Life, but Good for everyone and for the Whole, because it is “time to Plant Good.”