Earth.org has compiled a list of the most pressing environmental issues for 2021. Some of these are food waste, biodiversity loss, plastic pollution, deforestation, and air pollution.

These environmental problems have long been a source of contention.

Our Mother Earth is suffering and nature is sending us a message.

When is the next Earth Day?

Every April 22nd, we observe Earth Day. This is a yearly event that aims to promote environmental protection.

It was first observed on April 22, 1970, and now consists of a variety of global events planned by EarthDay.org. Over one billion people from approximately 193 countries actively participate in the festivities.

A couple took a major step.

Sebastião Salgado and his wife, Lélia Deluiz Wanick Salgado, founded the non-profit Instituto Terra in April 1998. Sebastião is a Brazilian photojournalist, whose photos have appeared in a variety of press publications

Instituto Terra is dedicated to the recovery and conservation of forests in Brazil’s Vale de Rio Doce.

The following year, they planted their first sapling.

Students from local schools took part in the planting, according to the group’s website.

“The first planting took place in November 1999 and was attended by students from schools in the municipality of Aimorés, in Minas Gerais. Thus was born the greatest proposal of Instituto Terra: to share with the surrounding community all the knowledge acquired in the environmental restoration of the 608.69 hectares of RPPN Fazenda Bulcão.“

Their efforts have proven to be fruitful.

After twenty years, over two million trees of 293 species have been planted on 600 hectares of barren land! Water springs that had previously dried up have resurfaced.

Wildlife began to return to the forest after their home was restored.

There were 172 bird species, 33 mammal species, and 15 amphibian and reptile species into the newly restored paradise.

The forest has grown back and has been designated as a Private Natural Heritage Reserve.

In their viral post, it takes nature more than ten years to restore an ecosystem.

You would be surprised at what Instituto Terra has accomplished in the last two decades.

Many people praised their endeavors.

They’re calling them a remarkable example of caring for Mother Nature that should be emulated and expanded upon.

“Great job!!! Must be our role model! Loving God’s creation as protecting all the entrusted resources to us! God bless you!”

They appreciate their meaningful contributions.

“What a truly incredible achievement. It is a perfect example of what we as humans can do if we set our minds to something. Bravo and thank you.”

As Sebastião saw the restored beauty of the forest, his heart was filled with joy.

“Thanks to this increase of the trees I, too, was reborn – this was the most important moment.”

Sebastião and Lélia hope that their successful mission will show others that a little kindness can go a long way and make all the difference.

Sebastião said:

“We need to listen to the words of the people on the land. Nature is the earth and it is other beings and if we don’t have some kind of spiritual return to our planet, I fear that we will be compromised.”

It all began when the couple decided to plant the first seed and establish the institution.

Since then, many people have contributed to the history of this region of the world.

We are grateful to Sebastião and Lélia, for planting trees and making our world a better place to live!

They deserve every honor and recognition, and we hope that more people around the world will follow in their footsteps.

After all, every little thing counts! Let us take action and contribute to making the world a greener place for future generations.

Let’s make every day an Earth Day!

Watch the video below to learn more about Instituto Terra!

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Sources: Facebook – Instituto Terra, YouTube – InstitutoTerra, Earth.Org, Wikipedia – Earth Day