PAST SUCCESSES

Pau brasil (Caesalpinia echinata), Brazil
Project dates: 2001 - 2006

Pau Brasil (Caesalpinia echinata), the national tree of Brazil, is of great cultural and economic importance - even giving the country its name. The tree is logged for its high quality wood which is used in the production of violin bows and, historically, to produce dyes. This has led to over-exploitation of the species and it is now classified as Endangered.

The Global Trees Campaign has worked on the conservation of this significant tree through two projects; one, working with Brazilian NGO Amainan Brasil encouraging awareness and conservation amongst local communities in the Atlantic rainforest around Cairu (Projeto Pau Brasil) and the other working with the Margaret Mee Foundation and Rio Botanic Garden with funds from the Flagship Species Fund, studying the distribution, genetic variation and ethno-botanical uses of Pau Brasil in Rio de Janeiro State.

In June 2007, Pau Brasil was included on Appendix II of CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species), thus imposing regulations on international trade in the species. FFI’s work was extensively quoted in the proposal that led to the listing.

Outcomes

Projeto Pau Brasil
Project Dates: 2001-2006

• Establishment of a community tree nursery for the propagation of native species, including Pau Brasil.

• Reforestation of farm land with native species using seedlings grown in the nursery.

• Increased awareness of the need to conserve the Atlantic forest, including Pau Brasil, through an education programme that included theatre as well as classroom activities. The project has worked with over 8,000 children and 200 teachers across the Atlantic rainforest.

• The development of 'Sons da Floresta' - a programme of events promoting certification of timbers used in the Brazilian musical instrument industry.

Population, variation and ethno-botanical studies in Rio de Janeiro state
Project Dates: 2003 -2004

The botanical project was conducted in partnership with the Margaret Mee Foundation and the Rio Botanic Garden through the Flagship Species Fund. It involved the study of the distribution, genetic variation and ethno-botanical uses of Pau Brasil in Rio State. The main outcomes were:

• Mapping of remnant Pau Brasil populations in Rio de Janeiro state and study of the characteristics of the habitat. The species was found to occur in 54 locations in the coastal strip, an area under pressure from development and deforestation.

• A genetic assessment of 41 individual Pau Brasil trees which will facilitate the selection of individuals and populations for conservation programmes.

• The confirmation of the importance of Pau Brasil to local communities, both historically and environmentally. People interviewed in three local communities emphasized the importance of conservation and restoration projects for Pau Brasil and the establishment of new nurseries for the species.


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