The Brazil Project - Araponga
PERNAMBUCO - THE WOOD OF BOWS
Pernambuco is known to be the only type of wood that is suitable for making high-quality bows for string instruments. The existence of this wood, which is so important for us orchestral musicians, is limited to the Mata Atlantica region in Brazil. The number of pernambuco trees growing in their natural environment has now been so decimated that this type of wood is threatened with extinction.
Apart from the irreversible damage to a stable flora and fauna, this would also be a catastrophe for the world of music.
The existential threat to the pernambuco species makes it clear that every extinct species brings with it an irretrievable loss, be it for other living creatures, for the ecological balance or, as in this case, for cultural life around the globe.
In addition to our commitment to the reforestation of Madagascar's rainforests, which were also cleared for the construction of musical instruments, Eben!Holz and Orchester des Wandels have launched the ARAPONGA program.
Our Goals
1. The extinction of pernambuco and other woods used for musical instruments should be prevented through comprehensive protective measures
2. The number of trees living in their natural environment should be multiplied by
- Replanting of particularly endangered species in existing protection zones
- Expansion of protected zones
- Deliberate planting of species for the making of musical instruments
SAVEBrasil is our strong and reliable local partner. SAVEBrasil has been active in the Mata Atlantica for many years, understands the conditions and knows how every euro can be invested wisely for our goals.
We would like to thank Eben!Holz for the excellent preparation and contribution towards this joint project.
Support us today with a donation to secure the future of this precious wood that resonates in the hands of millions of musicians!
Update 2025
ARAPONGA focuses on tree species crucial for the making of musical instruments. Based on scientific studies, 22 relevant tree species have been identified, including rare varieties such as Rio rosewood, cedro, and ipé. These species will be actively replanted in the project areas to ensure both biodiversity and the sustainable availability of these woods for future generations. In principle, the higher the biodiversity in the renaturation areas, the more resilient the individual plants are.
Project areas and approaches
SAVE Brasil is working in two key regions of the Mata Atlântica
1. Murici
The goal in this region is to encourage private landowners to consolidate the legally required percentage of protected forest (at least 20% of their land). This effort aims to create larger, contiguous protected areas, which will enhance habitats for endangered species of both animals and plants.
2. Serra do Urubu
In this region, SAVE has acquired around 360 hectares of its own land, which is being actively restored and protected. The aim is to create intact forest areas that serve as refuges for the local flora and fauna. One of the main problems in the region is the high fragmentation of the forest areas, with 80% consisting of fragments less than 0.5 square kilometers. These fragments are, on average, 1.4 kilometers apart, making it difficult for animals to migrate and for pollination and seed dispersal to occur effectively.
The long-term goal of the project is to reconnect these forest fragments through ecological corridors.
Restoration Measures
Seed and Seedling Sourcing
Given the rarity of the tree species, SAVE has formed a dedicated team to search for seeds and seedlings across the region. However, sourcing these materials remains a significant challenge.
Innovative Planting Techniques
The Muvuca method, which involves sowing a mix of different seed species over large areas, is being utilized. This technique promotes rapid soil coverage, preventing erosion and accelerating forest restoration. In Lagoa dos Gatos, seedlings and seeds have already been planted across approximately 5 hectares, including rare species such as Brazilian rosewood and jatobá.
Maintenance Measures
In older project areas (such as Sítio Água Branca and the Pedra D'Antas Protected Area), replanting trees and controlling invasive grasses are important factors in renaturation.
Bird Monitoring
Since regular bird species surveys serve as a benchmark for an increase in tree species, these data can also be used to monitor the development of renaturation in the project areas. In Sítio Água Branca, 26 bird species were observed (60% forest and semi-forest species), indicating progressive regeneration. In RPPN Pedra D'Antas, 14 species were found, predominantly open-land birds. The area continues to require intensive maintenance, as invasive grasses are hindering reforestation.
Outlook for 2025
- Expand reforestation efforts with a focus on tree species used in the making of musical instruments.
- Implement ongoing maintenance and monitoring measures in existing restoration areas.
- Continue bird monitoring to assess the success of regeneration.
- Expand and support the seed collection group to promote endemic tree species.
ARAPONGA - A Fitting Project Name
The cry of this bird species, typical of the Mata Atlantica, is considered the loudest bird call in the world. For this reason, the ARAPONGA is the ideal ambassador to symbolize the urgency of protecting Pernambuco.
