The Nature Conservancy is working with in-country groups to restore and plant one billion trees on 2.5 million acres of the Atlantic Forest!

That is why it was cool to interview Jenn Diedzic from the Nature Conservancy. I have been concerned about the Brazilian rainforest since my Masters Degree in Comparative International Development. Seems that too much deforestation in such a short period of time. So now we can reverse that deforestation with this campaign.

Tell us what you do for the Nature Conservancy?

Jenn Diedzic: I had served on the Board of the Young Professionals Group since 2005. I am also chairwoman of the Conservation Committee.

How does the program help the Brazilian rainforest directly?

Jenn: Activities that The Nature Conservancy and its partners are undertaking to restore the imperiled Atlantic Forest of Brazil. The Plant a Billion campaign seeks to bring the Atlantic Forest back. Back from the brink. All by planting a billion trees over 2.5 million acres of land. One dollar plants one tree, so every dollar really does count. You can see more information about Plant A Billion. This restoration effort will remove 10 million tons of CO2 from the air annually. At the same effect as taking 2 million cars off the road.

What effect will this have on our ecosystem since the Brazilian rainforest is well known for its biodiversity?

Jenn: The Atlantic Forest is considered to be one of the world’s most endangered tropical forests. This area was once the size of the U.S. Eastern Seaboard. All from Maine to South Carolina but today only 7% remains. So despite that, these last stands of forest are essential. For they harbor a range of biological diversity. Diversity comparable to that of the Amazon. Comes with 23 species of primates, 1,000 bird species and over 20,000 plant species. Most importantly, many of which are found nowhere else on earth. The Atlantic Forest also helps regulate the atmosphere. Thereby let’s say stabilize the global climate. Stabilize therefore by storing CO2 and emitting large quantities of oxygen.