EP5 - Fostering resilient communities in Brazil
🎙 A new episode of Rooted to Earth is out now!
In Episode 5, Clara Johannpeter, COO of Agroforestree, sheds light on how agroforestry is transforming Brazil's landscapes and empowering rural communities. With a background in environmental and social impact, Clara brings a wealth of experience to the conversation, focusing on the critical role of cooperation in tackling deforestation and soil degradation.
Clara's philosophy is clear: "There's no environmental impact without social impact."
For her, agroforestry is not just about planting trees but about creating systems that connect people with nature. This integration ensures that the surrounding communities actively benefit from and contribute to the projects.
Through Agroforestree, Clara and her team lead two major initiatives:
✅ Compensation Programmes – Designed for small and medium-sized companies, these programmes allow businesses to offset their emissions by directly funding agroforestry projects with small farmers.
🌳 Personalised Projects – Large-scale endeavours, such as planting 300,000 trees in the Amazon, focus on restoring degraded areas and building forest-based supply chains that generate sustainable livelihoods.
🤝 Cooperation as the key to regeneration
Clara explains the essence of these projects: "Agroforestry needs many hands. It's about involving people, creating trust, and making the benefits tangible for local communities." She highlights how fostering collaboration between farmers, businesses, and stakeholders is essential for long-term success.
The trust-building process involves more than just financial incentives. Clara notes, "We listen to farmers, include their knowledge, and adapt our expertise to their realities. It's about creating a true partnership that integrates local cultures and values."
🌍 A vision for the future
Clara also shares her thoughts on the broader challenges and opportunities for agroforestry in Brazil and Latin America. With its vast land and cultural diversity, the region has immense potential for regeneration. However, this requires systemic change, investment, and a commitment to developing sustainable economies that place people at their core.
"Regeneration is not just about the land—it's about creating systems that allow people and nature to thrive together"
This episode is an inspiring look into how agroforestry can serve as a bridge between environmental restoration and social empowerment.
🎧 Listen now: