A couple from Brazil has dedicated the past two decades to converting a desolate ranch into a thriving haven for wildlife. The esteemed photographer, Sebastião Salgado, and his wife, Lélia Deluiz Wanick Salgado, purchased the property in 1994 and were taken aback by the destruction wrought by deforestation and industrial agriculture.
Determined to make a change, the couple set out to replant the land with native species of trees and vegetation, and over the years, their hard work has paid off. The once-barren landscape is now teeming with life, with over 2 million trees planted and thousands of animals returning to the area.
The couple’s project, known as Instituto Terra, has not only helped restore the local ecosystem but has also had a positive impact on the climate, with the regenerated forest acting as a carbon sink. In addition, the reforestation has created job opportunities for local communities and has provided a model for sustainable development.
The Salgados’ work has received international recognition, with Sebastião receiving the prestigious Prince of Asturias Award in 1998 and the Right Livelihood Award in 2019. Their story has inspired people around the world to take action to protect the environment and work towards a sustainable future.
The couple’s commitment to land restoration exemplifies the strength of human creativity and resolve. Their efforts demonstrate that even the most ravaged terrains can be rejuvenated into flourishing ecosystems with appropriate resources and dedication.
The area now sustains a wide variety of flora and fauna, including several species that are at risk of extinction.
Hear the couple discuss their inspiring endeavor.