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.
