In 1998, something amazing started happening in a small corner of Brazil. Sebastião Salgado, a world-renowned photographer, and his wife, Lélia Deluiz Wanick Salgado, decided to tackle a big problem: a piece of land that had been devastated by years of cattle farming. This land, once green and vibrant, had turned into a barren wasteland. But the Salgados had a vision—they wanted to bring the forest back.

A Simple Idea with Big Results

It all began after Sebastião returned home from a tough assignment photographing the genocide in Rwanda. The sight of their family’s land, stripped bare of trees and life, matched the despair he felt inside. That’s when Lélia had a simple but powerful idea: “Why not plant trees?”

They didn’t just plant a few trees—they planted millions. Over 20 years, with the help of local students, workers, and even donations from companies and the government, the Salgados and their team planted more than 2 million trees. What started as a barren piece of land slowly transformed into a thriving forest.

From Wasteland to Wonderland

Their efforts weren’t just about planting trees. They wanted to restore the entire ecosystem. As the trees grew, insects, birds, and other wildlife began to return. The land, which had been nearly dead, came back to life.

The couple founded Instituto Terra, a nonprofit organization dedicated to environmental restoration and education. This organization became the heart of their efforts, not just planting trees but also teaching others how to care for the land.

Today, the land they saved is a 1,750-acre forest, full of life and a hub for ecological research and education. Located in the Rio Doce Valley in Minas Gerais, Brazil, it’s a shining example of how much difference a small group of determined people can make.

An Inspiration to the World

The story of Sebastião and Lélia Salgado is more than just a story about trees. It’s about hope and determination. It shows that even in the face of devastation, it’s possible to turn things around. Their work has inspired people all over the world to take action and care for the environment.

What they did in Brazil isn’t just about saving one piece of land—it’s about showing that anyone can make a difference. Their journey reminds us that with a bit of determination and a lot of heart, we can bring life back to the most unexpected places.