28/07/2022

IMPA planted 5,529 native seedlings of the Atlantic Forest.

A aluna de doutorado Erika Paola Bernal plantou uma muda de abiu

The land where IMPA is building its new sustainable campus, in Jardim Botânico, now has 5,529 more seedlings of native species from the Atlantic Forest. This Thursday (28), a group of researchers, employees and students from the institute participated in a planting action that marked the end of the compensatory measure for the construction of the project.

By planting species such as jequitibá, golden ipê, embaúba, and pau-Brasil, IMPA contributes to the replacement of exotic species with native ones, in addition to enriching the region's forest. “The Tijuca Forest area was dominated by jackfruit trees, which are not a Brazilian species and cause problems for the local biodiversity. It's a pest, since the seeds germinate quickly, taking up space from native trees,” commented Dr. Izar Aximoff, a botanist at AgroRio.

The group of IMPA employees, students, and researchers listened attentively to the biologist's explanation of the importance of forest management. Accompanied by specialists, they followed the step-by-step planting process. Nelson Weirich, a master's student in charge of planting a jequitibá tree, said he loved participating. "It's a very good initiative for the environment! I'm happy to have left this mark for the future of IMPA," he commented. Researcher Carlos Gustavo Moreira, known as Gugu, shared the same sentiment. "It was a very good experience! It's the first time I've planted a tree, and I've always wanted to do it."

Excited about the opportunity, institute researcher André Nachbin and his family enjoyed planting the tree. “It was a great pleasure to be in such a special place planting a tree! The campus will contribute to the social inclusion of students from all over Brazil and other countries, who will be able to use this space to do high-level mathematics,” said Nachbin. Producer Roberta Silveira Visconde, the researcher's wife, highlighted that the new structure is fundamental to expanding the institute's activities. “The campus will provide the future of science in our country, which is what we need most.”

André Nachbin e sua família participaram do plantio

IMPA researcher Jorge Vitório Pereira also participated in the event, accompanied by his son Jorge Pastore and his wife, mathematician Dayse Pastore, who is an IMPA alumna. “It was incredible to be here with my family! This new building will be essential for future generations of mathematicians in our country,” said Dayse. The researcher, in turn, said he loved the planting experience. “It’s an important action by the institute, which is contributing to the replacement of invasive flora with native plants,” stated Jorge Vitório Pereira.

Researcher Felipe Linares, who planted a Brazilwood sapling, highlighted the sustainable solutions present in the architectural project, which received the 2017 Recognition Award from the Lafarge Holcim Foundation in Switzerland. “It’s very important to replant the forest and show that IMPA is undertaking a sustainable project. We want to encourage and maintain our forest.”

Pesquisador do IMPA Felipe Linares plantou muda de pau-brasil

IMPA began fulfilling its compensatory measure for the construction of the new campus in May. In 3 months, the institute planted more than 5,500 seedlings of Atlantic Forest, contributing to forest enrichment and increased diversity of fauna and flora.

Watch the video of the planting event on National Atlantic Forest Day (May 27th).