Restoration Progress in Maranhão, Brazil

In Maranhão, Brazil, restoration efforts led by our local partner SamaÚma are restoring mangrove and terrestrial ecosystems, increasing biodiversity, and creating meaningful economic opportunities for local communities.

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SamaÚma is the implementing partner responsible for on-the-ground restoration, while veritree supports project design, monitoring, and verification.

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On their most recent visit to the region, the veritree team traveled to Primeira Cruz to connect with their planting partner, SamaÚma, and to see firsthand how restoration efforts are progressing on the ground.

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Strengthening Partnership and Processes

This trip had several important objectives. First and foremost, it was an opportunity to build and maintain their relationship with SamaÚma, whose leadership and local expertise continue to drive restoration success in the region.

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During their time on site, they conducted hands-on app training and testing, now available in Portuguese.

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Beyond training, they reviewed the current monitoring processes, particularly how survivability monitoring tasks are tracked within the app. Survivability monitoring is essential to long-term restoration success, and this visit allowed them to identify opportunities for continuous improvement.

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To ensure accuracy, they cross-checked the data entered into the app with on-the-ground observations. They assessed planting density and overall survival rates, validating digital records against real site conditions. This kind of verification strengthens confidence in the data and ensures transparency across the restoration lifecycle.

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During site visits, they collected updated drone imagery to document progress and better understand site conditions at scale.

‍Drone shot of mangrove restoration progress in Maranhão, Brazil. Implemented locally by SamaÚma in partnership with veritree

Adapting for Resilience

One of the most insightful aspects of the visit was observing how SamaÚma approaches adaptive restoration.

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When mangrove plantings do not succeed, the team evaluates site conditions to understand why and adjusts future planting strategies accordingly. This may include revisiting timing, hydrological conditions, or planting techniques.

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Timing plays a particularly important role. Mangroves are typically planted during high tide and the rainy season to improve survival rates. These environmental considerations are central to increasing long-term success and reflect the team’s deep understanding of local conditions.

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Creating Lasting Impact

Maranhão is one of Brazil’s poorest states, facing significant socio-economic challenges, particularly in rural areas. This project was developed in partnership with SamaÚma with the goal of supporting stable employment and strengthening long-term community resilience.

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Today, SamaÚma is the largest employer in Primeira Cruz. Prior to the project, many individuals relied on informal or seasonal work with little income stability. Through restoration activities, workers now have access to formal employment, providing more predictable income and greater ability to plan for the future. For many, this stability has supported meaningful life improvements, including home repairs and long-term financial planning.

‍SamaÚma and veritree teams at the restoration site in Maranhão, Brazil

SamaÚma also provides additional support through benefits such as paid vacation and food assistance equivalents, as well as workshops focused on financial literacy and household management.

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This economic stability is closely connected to ecological restoration. As ecosystems recover, the broader environment begins to respond. Staff have reported noticing increased wildlife presence, particularly birds, around restoration sites. Community members are acutely aware of sea-level rise and understand the role mangroves play in protecting coastlines and maintaining healthy ecosystems.

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‍Wildlife at the restoration site in Brazil.

Restoration Rooted in Partnership

The work in Maranhão reflects what is possible when restoration is grounded in local expertise and supported by transparent systems. By combining SamaÚma’s leadership in ecosystem restoration with veritree’s monitoring and verification technology, the project demonstrates how ecological outcomes and community impact can be measured, validated, and continuously improved over time.

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