PERCEPTION

PERCEPTION >> CONSERVATION Of the NATURE: PRESERVATION & RESTORATION

Preservation

The forest here is not large by Brazilian standards. Nevertheless, it is worthwhile to preserve the biodiversity that exists. The property is also important in a "chain of islands" that links the region's fragile biodiversity. Since the land here borders a river, a home and lifeline for wildlife is provided. Since a forest cannot be replaced by merely planting trees, it is vital to preserve its integrity. Just as it is important to protect its biodiversity, it is important to protect and enhance the forest, for its nature services, for human understanding, and delight.

Legislative steps have been taken to assure that the natural springs, forests and wetlands here will be protected by law. The property has received official approval from the Brazilian Environmental Institute (IBAMA) as a perpetual private ecological reserve to protect nature (RPPN). A plan for re-introducing wild animals, recovered from illegal poachers, into their native habitats is being studied. Also, a project is underway to join this sanctuary to nearby isolated forests with wildlife corridors that would enlarge the mobility and range of animal life.

As John Sawhill, the president of The Nature Conservancy has written, "In the end, our society will be defined not only by what we create, but by what we refuse to destroy."

Restoration

The project does not expect to "develop nature." It does not even intend to "conserve" nature, in the literal sense. Basically, our emphasis is on not impeding nature's own self-conservation , but fostering its natural growth and rejuvenating tendencies. The emphasis, as Aldo Leopold has noted, is to perceive the land's capacity for self-renewal and to follow that.

Already we have enjoyed our greatest success with this aspect of restoration. For close to twenty years we have protected large areas of native reserve from exploitation, invasion or destruction. From aerial photos over this period, it may be estimated that the forests over the entire property have increased some 40% in area.

Dramatic recuperation has occurred in two areas that had been aggressively deforested for agriculture before our caretaking began. On the south slope of the principle upper canyon, natural seed dispersal of a variety of species is having success in reforesting a large area. At the edge of the wetland, a pasture has similarly been recovered. A regionally native pioneer tree ( Croton urucurana ) has spread over a former grazing area. It covers about one-and-one-half acres that lie between forest and marsh.

When dealing with natural systems (human consciousness included), how much should one "let be" and how much should one "intervene"? At the moment, increasing perception and knowledge is the favored "intervention." It is effective up to its limits and eliminates the risks of meddling. The first two examples of restoration mentioned above illustrate this approach.

When intervening is necessary it does not hurt to continually explore motives: "What is being preserved and for what?" We are proceeding thusly with a restoration project to plant native seedlings to join separated wooded sections that do not have conditions to do so easily on their own. The fallow is due to aggressive deforestation in the past. Also, trees are being planted around freshwater springs to rejuvenate and guarantee their healthy flow. Native Brazilian species are being used for reforestation. Not merely species native to Brazil, but those specifically native to this region. In his Oeconomicus , written in the 4th Century BC, the Greek historian Xenophon explained the reason. He advised, "One is not likely to obtain a better yield from the land by planting trees and vines and sowing grain of the type he wishes, rather than those crops which the land itself prefers to bring forth and support."

Wetlands

A small pond near the ridge of the watershed is being recovered, having been drained for pasture in the past. Likewise, a two or three acre riverine marsh at the base of the basin is being rejuvenated. Already, an increase in aquatic life has been witnessed. Bird species that favor such environments have appeared in addition to the return of some more familiar varieties, which we have not seen for several years.

Infrastructure

Plans for constructing a house/garage/workshop/office/museum is underway. The structure will enjoy prevailing winds, natural ventilation, sun and shadow for the most efficient thermodynamic exchange. Warm in winter. Cool in summer.

Retaining and recycling water is an important component of the plan. In addition to capturing rainwater from roofs in cisterns, used domestic water from sinks and showers will be recycled for use in toilet discharges. "Waste water" leaving the dwellings will be sterilized and used for irrigation. The use of plastic, paper, glass and aluminum containers has already been drastically minimized. Whatever is used is delivered, separated, to recycling centers. Organic materials are utilized in composts and integrated with farm production.

The use of sunlight (directly or indirectly) to provide electrical power for the needs of houses, laboratories, garages and workshops is being planned. This is local energy and would be generated by solar panels. Although, wind-generated electricity will also be investigated for viability. Thus, water will be heated directly with solar panels using convection. Electricity will be generated by photovoltaic cells, stored in conventional batteries and distributed through an inverter where alternating electric current is needed.

Small vehicles used on the property will be solar powered. Tractor engines will be converted to run on sunflower seed oil (which we are already producing).