Brazilian photojournalist Sebastian Salgado grew up in a tropical forest, where life was in full swing and there was an excellent ecology. Then Sebastian left home and returned many years later. Upon arrival, the man did not recognize his native state of Minas Gerais, he was shocked by the state of nature. Lush forests were cut down, turning the soil into a lifeless desert!

Sebastian resolved to repair the damage. Then his wife, Lelia Deluise Vanik Salgado, came up with an audacious plan: replant the forest. He and his wife founded an organization known as Instituto Terra (Institute of the Earth). The group began manufacturing the first seeds in December 1999, marking the beginning of a tremendous transition.

They restored the ecology and fauna of this area by planting over 300 different tree types. The photographs clearly demonstrate how nature began to recuperate and resurrect. Because of afforestation, soil erosion could be stopped, allowing water resources to be restored.

It was feasible to recreate the original appearance of a seemingly lost piece of land for 20 years. The Instituto Terra organization has demonstrated that it is possible to both ruin and recover the environment. The Earth Institute did not stop working after the return of the paradise location but instead proceeded to develop its concept of protecting the environment and saving our planet.