Reports say that since the year 1960 several tropical forests have been demolished worldwide. Human actions such as deforestation and spreading wildfire have not only affected the animals but, has also impacted our environment. Urbanization has resulted in major drawbacks but, are we putting a stop to it? Similarly, destruction towards nature left Brazilian photographer, Sebastião Salgado in dismay owing to which he along with his wife decided to work on it.

Sebastião was reporting the Rwandan genocide in 1994, he returned back to Brazil once he got done with the assignment but, couldn’t find solace in his hometown anymore. He was shocked to witness the condition of the land due to deforestation.

More than three years ago he spoke with The Guardian about what he felt and how along with his wife he mended the land as Sebastião stated: “The land was as sick as I was – everything was destroyed.” “Only about 0.5% of the land was covered in trees. Then my wife had a fabulous idea to replant this forest. And when we began to do that, then all the insects and birds and fish returned and, thanks to this increase of the trees I, too, was reborn – this was the most important moment.”

A dream of restoring a barren land which was once filled with greenery gave rise to the inception of Instituto Terra in 1998. A project set up by Sebastião and his family which has planted more than four million seedlings until now. The commendable works done by Instituto Terra made it a Private Natural Heritage Reserve.

Stories like this inspire all of us to do our part. Participating in plantation drives will not only benefit nature but, will also make us responsible for our environment.

Image Courtesy:  Instituto Terra