Ana Carolina

Would you like to join us in realizing one of the longest biodiversity corridors on Earth? Become one of the First 600 to join our mission of hope and action HERE.

Black Jaguar Foundation begins 2025 by reaching a major milestone: the mobilization of the first Indigenous group within Ressemear, the BJF Araguaia Seed Network. A total of 27 members of the Aldeia Kayapó, located in the Barreira do Campo region (Pará, Brazil), took part in a training cycle and are already collecting native seeds for the upcoming planting seasons. 

This is a historic step for the network, reinforcing its commitment to a more diverse restoration effort rooted in the traditional knowledge of Indigenous peoples. The involvement of the Kayapó Village expands Ressemear’s social and environmental impact, bringing ecological restoration even further — through the hands of those who have lived in and protected the forest for generations. 

In addition to welcoming the new Indigenous participants, the training round also included Ressemear’s existing groups, with a renewed focus on best practices for seed collection, processing, and storage. Knowledge-sharing and collective engagement remain the cornerstones of the initiative. 

With increasingly diverse roots, the BJF Araguaia Seed Network (Ressemear) continues advancing its mission to restore the Araguaia — uniting communities, cultures, and seeds! 

Would you like to join us in realizing one of the longest biodiversity corridors on Earth? Become one of the First 600 to join our mission of hope and action HERE.

The Black Jaguar Foundation’s field team took part in an intensive training week, focused on evaluating the results of the last planting season and aligning goals and strategies for the upcoming rainy season. 

The gathering was essential to consolidate learnings, understand the challenges faced in the field, and clarify how each team member will contribute to future progress. Key topics discussed throughout the week included: 

• the role of each team member, 

• new challenges with the expansion of planting areas, 

• adjustments to operational processes, and 

• the goals guiding the next phase of restoration. 

One of the week’s highlights was the introduction of drones as a support tool. BJF has invested in these devices to streamline the validation and monitoring of planting areas with greater speed and precision. 

To ensure the effective use of this new technology, the entire team took part in a hands-on drone operation course, equipping them to use the equipment safely and efficiently in the field. 

This preparation reinforces BJF’s commitment to continuously improving its practices and ensuring that each new planting season is more strategic, efficient, and transformative. 

Would you like to join us in realizing one of the longest biodiversity corridors on Earth? Become one of the First 600 to join our mission of hope and action HERE.

You can never have too much knowledge, right? Last month, Norivânia Diniz, our seedling production analyst, visited three forest nurseries to exchange experiences, learn about new techniques, and share the challenges of ecological restoration.  

The visit was carried out alongside Felipe Susin, nursery specialist at Restauragro, and offered an immersive experience filled with learning and exchange. In addition to discovering different nursery structures and seedling production techniques, the pair exchanged experiences with local professionals, strengthening the network of partners committed to ecological restoration. 

The training sparked new ideas to improve the technical processes of the team and practical enhancements that can be applied to the day-to-day seedling production. It was also a valuable opportunity to expand their understanding of the entire cycle — from seed collection to seedling production and planting. 

The team was warmly welcomed, which also created an opportunity to share the work that the Black Jaguar Foundation has been carrying out in the states of Pará and Tocantins.  We are confident that the experience will strengthen the excellent work already being carried out by our nursery team! 

Would you like to join us in realizing one of the longest biodiversity corridors on Earth? Become one of the First 600 to join our mission of hope and action HERE.

Caixa (Brazilian Federal Bank) visited the Araguaia region, where they witnessed the work of the Black Jaguar Foundation’s field team up close, as well as the efforts of the BJF Araguaia Seed Network. It was a opportunity to fostered a deep connection with the territories and communities that are part of the ecological restoration process. 

The journey began in Marianópolis and Caseara (TO), with a visit to PA Piracema, where Caixa representatives spoke with seed collectors from RESSEMEAR: Dinaura Zago Sobrinho, Célia Hammer, Ana Cleia Pereira, and Daniel Cantuário. The group then headed to Caseara, where they were welcomed by Ldejany Lopes de Oliveira, a member of the local urban group. 

The next day, in Santana do Araguaia (PA), the team visited the Black Jaguar Foundation’s Forest Nursery, observing the germination and production processes of native seedlings alongside the nursery production analyst and local nursery workers. 

Later that morning, they visited a rural restoration site, where they could compare different stages of the restoration cycle—from direct seeding to natural regeneration in a permanent preservation area. 

The day ended with a moving meeting with the seed collectors from the riverside community of Barreira do Campo, along the Araguaia River. Eunice and Pedro Gomes, Creusa Guevara, Aldeir Dias, Madalena Dias, and other members of the network shared their life stories and how seed collection has transformed their lives.

The visit was a unique opportunity to see, hear, and feel the real impact that ecological restoration is making. The inspiring stories of seed collectors, community leaders, and beneficiaries reinforced the power of nature as a force for both social and environmental regeneration. 

Would you like to join us in realizing one of the longest biodiversity corridors on Earth? Become one of the First 600 to join our mission of hope and action HERE.

From April 27th to May 1st, 2025, the Black Jaguar Foundation took part in Agrishow in Ribeirão Preto (SP) — one of the largest agricultural technology fairs in the world. Being present at this event was a valuable chance to share our mission with major representatives of Brazilian agribusiness. 

Our founder, Ben Valks, together with our team, presented the Araguaia Biodiversity Corridor, emphasizing how ecological restoration can go hand in hand with the country’s productive and sustainable development. 

During the fair, Ben also gave an interview to the Fala Carlão channel, where he shared his journey and the origin of the Black Jaguar Foundation. With a global vision and local action, Ben showed how agribusiness can — and should — move forward together with environmental conservation. A conversation that inspires and proves that Brazil is at the heart of the solutions to the planet’s major environmental challenges. 

Watch the full interview: 

• YouTube 

BJF’s presence at the fair reinforces the importance of collaboration between the productive sector and environmental initiatives. We believe that the future of agribusiness depends on more regenerative practices — and this is the conversation we aim to expand. 

Would you like to join us in realizing one of the longest biodiversity corridors on Earth? Become one of the First 600 to join our mission of hope and action HERE.

On April 15th, our founder Ben Valks was in The Hague, Netherlands, representing the Black Jaguar Foundation during the Lunch Lecture organized by the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO). The event brought together representatives from the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Agriculture, as well as experts from the Partners for Water program. 

Alongside Professor Marielos Peña Claros, a leading expert in Forest Ecology and Forest Management at Wageningen University, Ben shared BJF’s mission: to restore the world’s longest biodiversity corridor, connecting the Amazon Rainforest to the Brazilian Cerrado along a 2,600 km stretch. 

During the event, participants learned how reforestation goes far beyond environmental impact. It transforms lives, creates jobs, and promotes sustainable development that bridges science and local knowledge. 

Professor Marielos emphasized the importance of science-based ecological restoration, highlighting the use of native species, the value of Indigenous and community knowledge, and the need to build a supply chain for seeds and seedlings — pillars that also guide BJF’s work in the Araguaia region. 

This international dialogue further strengthens our cause: to regenerate ecosystems, inspire people, and generate real impact for the planet and future generations. 

Watch the full lecture on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bQ6NTyTFFvw 

Would you like to join us in realizing one of the longest biodiversity corridors on Earth? Become one of the First 600 to join our mission of hope and action HERE.

The third visit by representatives from Caixa Econômica Federal – Palmas branch – to the Araguaia Biodiversity Corridor was marked by moments of listening, connection, and inspiration. Over the course of two days, teams from Caixa and the Black Jaguar Foundation visited restoration sites, seedling nurseries, and communities that are part of Ressemear – the Araguaia Seed Network. 

On April 15th, the journey began in Marianópolis (TO) with a visit to PA Piracema, where seed collectors shared their stories and experiences with the project. Later, in Caseara, the team had the opportunity to meet members of the urban seed collection group, in a gathering focused on mutual listening and knowledge exchange. 

The next day, April 16th, in Santana do Araguaia (PA), the team started the day with a visit to the Black Jaguar Foundation’s Forest Nursery, where they observed up close the production of native seedlings that will bring the next planting season to life. 

Afterwards, they visited a restoration site on a rural property, guided by a BJF field analyst. On site, they were able to compare different stages of vegetation regeneration and witness the tangible results of the restoration efforts. 

The journey concluded with an inspiring conversation with the seed collector group from the Barreira do Campo region. Local residents shared their stories, showing how restoration has transformed realities and created a positive impact in the community.

The Black Jaguar Foundation believes in the power of partnerships to transform landscapes and lives. Visits like this reinforce the shared purpose of regenerating the Araguaia and creating a legacy for future generations. 

Would you like to join us in realizing one of the longest biodiversity corridors on Earth? Become one of the First 600 to join our mission of hope and action HERE.

From May 6th to 9th, Black Jaguar Foundation and Ressemear took part in the 4th Redário Gathering, held in Nova Xavantina, Mato Grosso. 

Laís D’Isep, seed production analyst, and Célia Guimarães, a seed collector from Ressemear, joined the four days of intense programming. It was a time for learning, sharing experiences, and strengthening connections among those who make ecological restoration happen on the ground. 

On the first day, we visited the herbarium and seed lab at UNEMAT, as well as the headquarters of the Xingu Seed Network. We got a close look at technologies developed by collectors, such as seed processing machines built by Wanderley, a specialist in baru seed processing. 

On the second day, we followed presentations on Redário’s 2024 activities, heard inspiring testimonials from women seed collectors, and visited areas restored through the “muvuca” method and agroforestry systems. 

The third day brought important discussions about network organization, safety during seed collection, and restoration experiences in different territories. We also took part in a small “muvuquinha” and visited the Rio das Mortes, one of the region’s iconic rivers. 

On the final day, the focus was on lessons learned and planning the next steps: discussion circles on pricing, the role of technical staff, tools like the Redário app, and suggestions for future gatherings. 

Participating in this event was an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to ecological restoration and to those on the front lines: the native seed collectors. 

Would you like to join us in realizing one of the longest biodiversity corridors on Earth? Become one of the First 600 to join our mission of hope and action HERE.