Reforesting Brazil's Biomes & Facilitating Biodiverse Genomic Flow between Atlantic Rainforest fragments

Arborem is focusing on areas which would not otherwise, be reforested. Excluding the Amazon biome, there are an estimated 30 million hectares of Atlantic rainforest and Cerrado to be reforested. Depending on the micro-biome, the density and the number and variety of tree species to be planted as well as other factors, it costs between US$2,000 and US$10,000 per hectare to reforest areas with native vegetation. As part of its methodology, Arborem is using advanced proprietary mapping technology, together with the iGRF (Instituto Genômico de Recursos Florestais) and AGP (AeroGeoPhysica Latinoamerica). AGP is part of Arborem's controlling group which also controls PETRA Energia, Latin America's largest privately held oil & gas company. The iGRF has entered into agreements with holders of biodiversity to supply seeds for native forest regeneration of over 100 different species. The institute expects to make available at least a million seedlings for native reforestation in 2012/2013. The iGRF is a Brazilian genetic research institute focused on plant genomes and forestry resources. Arborem's development in this area is led by Charles Frewen a lifelong campaigner and supporter of the Brazilian Rainforest and Cerrado.