For Brazil’s Xokleng people, saving a sacred tree means saving their culture

The Zág Institute, led by the Laklãnõ/Xokleng Indigenous people, is restoring the critically endangered Brazilian pine on their traditional territory in Santa Catarina. The reforestation project involves planting nearly 100,000 seedlings across 1,000 hectares, aiming to strengthen Indigenous identity and culture. The Brazilian pine is sacred to the Xokleng people, with its seeds serving as a vital food source and symbol of their heritage. The initiative seeks to reverse the decline of the species due to deforestation, urban expansion, and logging, while also addressing the endangerment of the Indigenous community and their culture. Carl and Isabel, along with the Zág Institute, have planted over 140,000 Brazilian pine seedlings in degraded areas and springs, involving the community and schools in their efforts. They aim to empower women through workshops and collective planting efforts, following Indigenous traditions and responsible harvesting practices. The project is funded by grants and donations, with plans to expand into activities like ethnotourism and agroforestry for financial sustainability and support of local initiatives. This long-term effort not only preserves the environment but also passes on a legacy to future generations, strengthening food sovereignty and educating younger generations about the importance of ancestral knowledge and caring for nature.

https://news.mongabay.com/2026/07/for-brazils-xokleng-people-saving-a-sacred-tree-means-saving-their-culture/