The agricultural integration with the natural environment is not an obstacle but a necessity.”

PROF. DR. RICARDO RODRIGUES

Professor at USP (University of São Paulo) & Director of LERF

About us

LERF is one of the laboratories of the Department of Biological Sciences of the University of São Paulo (ESALQ/USP). Their focus is on forest ecology and forest restoration. This renowned research institute belongs to the elite of scientific centers in South-America and aims to gather, develop and disseminate knowledge about the composition, structure and functioning of the Brazilian forests. Using this knowledge, they seek to determine indicators of diversity as well as study the processes of forest dynamics that sustain new forest restoration methods.

How we relate to the BJF

LERF is partnering with the Black Jaguar Foundation for the implementation of its first field project. In this first 6,000 ha pilot project, the BJF will select landowners inside the Araguaia Corridor Zone and help them get comply with Brazilian environmental law. The BJF will also assist them in using the best way to recover their forests through efficient and low cost methodologies. LERF’s expertise and reputation is essential for the BJF to successfully develop its mapping and reforestation tasks of the first 6,000 ha.