Every year, thousands of hectares of forest vanish due to deforestation, displacing countless animals from their habitats.
And regrettably, only a fraction of those trees are ever replanted.
This underscores the urgent need to restore forests on a massive scale.
At comment-economiser.fr, we're contributing through our partnership with Planète Urgence, having planted more than 10,000 trees in just months.
Thanks to supporters like you, we plant a new tree every 2 hours.
We're not alone in this effort—many are dedicating their lives to countering deforestation.
Take the inspiring story of renowned Brazilian photographer Sebastião Salgado and his wife, Lélia Deluiz Wanick Salgado.
For 20 years, they've invested their time, resources, and passion into restoring a once-lush forest on their family land.
Their journey is a testament to what's possible with determination.
Image Credits: Sebastiao Salgado
Sebastião Salgado, one of Brazil's most acclaimed photojournalists, has documented global crises through his lens for decades.
Returning home in the 1990s after covering the Rwandan genocide, he sought solace but found devastation instead.
The vibrant forests of his childhood were gone, replaced by barren soil.
Determined to act, Sebastião and Lélia launched an ambitious plan: reforest the land.
Image Credits: institutoterra
"The earth was as sick as I was. Everything was destroyed," Salgado shared in a Guardian interview.
"Only 0.5% of the trees remained. My wife had the brilliant idea to replant the forest, and that's what we did. Insects, birds, and fish returned. The forest's growth healed me too—a true turning point."
Image Credits: institutoterra
Founding Instituto Terra, the couple planted 2 million native saplings.
"Trees alone convert CO2 to oxygen," Salgado emphasizes. "Reforest with local species—otherwise, wildlife won't return, and the ecosystem stays silent."
Image Credits: institutoterra
Over two decades of stewardship, the forest flourished, attracting wildlife: 172 bird species, 33 mammals, 293 plants, and 15 reptiles.
Image Credits: institutoterra
Their success proves the power of dedication and collaboration.
Image Credits: Sebastiao Salgado
"Listen to indigenous wisdom," Salgado urges.
Image Credits: Sebastiao Salgado
"Nature encompasses the earth and all its inhabitants. Without respect for our planet, our future hangs in the balance."
