The Atlantic Rainforest has been severely degraded by the expansion of agriculture, exotic plantations, and ranching. Even with only 7% remaining, it is still one of the most biologically diverse regions of the world and provides clean water for more than 130 million people in Brazil. The forest is also home to 23 species of primates, 1,000 species of birds, and more than 20,000 species of plants, many of them found nowhere else on Earth. Previous efforts to protect the existing forest and to promote reforestation have had a limited reach, with no clear model for achieving the needed large-scale reforestation. 

THE NATURE CONSERVANCY has committed to restoring 2.5 million acres of the forest with one billion native trees. The strategies being used include planting seedlings in severely deforested places and accelerating natural forest regeneration. This broad initiative helps to place these forests on a path to recovery while also protecting wildlife.

The Atlantic Tropical Rainforest in Brazil is
considered the most endangered tropical forest.