COURAGEOUS LAND

― Agroforestry

↑ Courageous Land ― Courtesy of Courageous Land

Courageous Land, founded by Philip Kauders, Gilberto Terra and Luiza Avelar, has been engaged in restorative agroforestry in Brazil since 2011. The company’s mission is to combat climate change and simultaneously protecting native rainforests by creating alternative economies based on forest regeneration. As of now, Courageous Land employs approximately 40 individuals, predominantly field workers. With an ambitious target to scale up to 10,000 hectares by 2030, the organization anticipates creating at least 2,500 green jobs, maintaining an estimated ratio of one full-time equivalent (FTE) for every four hectares of land.

Courageous Land currently manages two farms—one spanning 80 acres in Bahia and another encompassing 170 acres in the Amazon forest in Roraima. The organization is in the process of acquiring an additional 1300 hectares and has recently extended its operations into the Amazon region.

Beyond its primary operations, Courageous Land provides consultancy services in regenerative development and develops useful technologies for other agroforestry stakeholders. Their operation has been used as a base for academic field studies and they seek to strengthen ties with research institutions.

GROWING CYCLE

In strategic planning, selective harvesting of noble wood species is followed by replanting. Native species, particularly those at risk of extinction, are prioritized. The cutting cycles are categorized into ultra-short (6 to 10 years), short (18 to 22 years), medium (25 to 30 years), and long (35 to 50 years). This system ensures trees reach sexual maturity and fruit for decades before being cut. This contributes to landscape diversity and conservation, where native species, particularly those at risk of extinction, are prioritized. The model accommodates varied sunlight requirements by maintaining mixed-height canopies, which minimizes habitat disturbances. Endangered, zoochoric, and nitrogen-fixing species are incorporated in each agroforestry cluster.

SYSTEM DESIGN

Agroforestry, a strategic integration of agriculture and cultivated trees, mimics natural forest functions within a managed setting. The approach is driven by natural processes, with human intervention facilitating these processes.

Courageous Land purchase locations adjacent to or within existing Amazon and Atlantic Forests that have been used for monocultures or ranching. The high rainfall and tree density of these areas make them conducive to reforestation.

The restoration process begins with traditional farming methods, utilizing machinery for land preparation and organic fertilizers to improve soil conditions. This aids in the establishment of pioneer plants, which play a vital role in soil rehabilitation by adding nitrogen, humus, and biomass, thereby preparing the soil for productive crops. Principles of succession planting and biomass recycling begin to rebuild the soil.

The introduction of companion planting within restorative network polycultures marks the next phase in system establishment. Regular maintenance, involving pruning and weeding, is necessary to ensure the system’s vitality and optimal plant growth. This approach fosters a balanced environment that encourages natural pest regulation.

Over time, the system, designed around multi-strata planting, becomes more robust and capable of self-regeneration. Trees and foods are selectively harvested an replanted, maintaining the ecological resilience of the biome. Each species plays a distinct ecological role, such as fixing nitrogen or transporting calcium from subsoil layers. The ultimate goal is to establish a self-sustaining, chemically free environment where decomposition enriches the soil and promotes habitat regeneration.