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After 35 Years of Persistent Work, José Henrique and Tânia Gravel Reforested the Property, Expanded Water Resources, Attracted Wildlife, and Proved That Agricultural Production and Environmental Conservation Go Hand in Hand
Over the decades, a landscape once marked by aridity gained new colors in the interior of Espírito Santo. In Guaçuí, in the southern region of the state, a couple of farmers rewrote their own story by recovering a degraded area. Where there was dust and dry pasture, today a green refuge spreads out, the result of continuous work that spanned 35 years.
José Henrique Gravel and Tânia Gravel are the protagonists of this silent transformation. More than just planting trees, they cultivated a life project.
The property now houses more than four thousand seedlings of about 150 native species, in addition to the recovery of springs and the visible increase in wildlife.
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A Dream Born Early
The connection to the land emerged long before any seedling was planted. “It was a childhood dream to have a piece of land. Then, 40 years ago, I bought this place.
And in 1990 I started reforesting. There was nothing, just this little house where I am. It was all pasture,” recalled José Henrique.
The journey, however, was far from simple. Amid climatic challenges, financial limitations, and health problems, the couple had to maintain their conviction amid difficulties.
The first strategy to ensure sustenance came from an activity that directly aligned with environmental proposals.
Bees as a Starting Point
It was through beekeeping that the project began to take shape. “We arrived here, looked to one side, then the other, and thought: ‘What are we going to do?’. Because living in the countryside is wonderful, but you have to sustain yourself. Then we were introduced to bees. We started taking courses and saw that the environment and work prioritizing sustainability were the best path,” explained Tânia.
The beekeeping opened doors for new investments. Over time, production diversified, always maintaining the commitment to pesticide-free practices.
The decision reflected not only a productive choice but also an ethical stance.
Production Without Chemicals
“What we want for ourselves, we want for other human beings. We do not work with chemical products. We are harvesting coffee in the field and know we can pick a cherry and put it straight in our mouth. Eating a fruit, sitting on the ground with our hands knowing there are no chemicals… That’s different!,” stated José Henrique.
The move to the countryside represented a profound shift. Before settling in Guaçuí, a town with fewer than 30,000 inhabitants, the couple lived in Vila Velha, in Greater Vitória, in an intense urban routine. The decision to leave the city involved fears and expectations.
New Beginnings and Adaptation
“To leave everything, a financially stable life, and come to a place where there was nothing, just a house, with two daughters, and dream a dream that wasn’t mine, it was his, was difficult. I thought he would give up and go back in three months. But those three months passed, and the one who didn’t want to go back was me. I embraced it, and it became our dream!,” Tânia recounted enthusiastically.
As the years went by, the effects of their work began to reflect on water availability as well. The area that had only one spring now boasts 14.
To enhance water security, a dam was built with a capacity of up to 2 million liters.
Water Preserved in the Soil
“There’s a dam that conserves 2 million liters of water. The work starts up there, with the small dams. Then, there’s also the dry box, which retains water, and further down there is another smaller dam, until the water reaches the main dam. We lose only 5% of the rainwater; 95% stays on the property,” detailed the producer.
The reforestation also boosted biodiversity. By planting more than 4,000 seedlings, the couple attracted animals and transformed the site into a true natural nursery.
“In just two days, researchers found 116 birds visiting this crop. Today, I have 80 fruit species, not all of them producing.”
Among the cultivated species, José mentions endangered varieties. Many are at risk of extinction, such as cambucá and cambuci. The Brazilwood and juçara palm are also part of the recovered landscape.
Knowledge That Multiplies
In addition to rural production, Henrique and Tânia began to share experiences. They created a booklet aimed at other producers and hold lectures, including for children.
“We never thought of giving up; we always want to be ahead. Whenever we see news about the environment, we are studying to be able to practice here too,” affirmed José.
The emotional impact of the project is often recalled by Tânia. “We do get emotional. Because we see so much destruction out there. And we’re living in this world here, with everything at our disposal.”
Even during difficult times, such as the pandemic, the couple highlights that they were able to walk in nature and maintain an outdoor routine.
The work developed on the property ensured public recognition, with acclaim at the 15th edition of the Prêmio Biguá Sul 2025, focused on exemplary initiatives in preservation and sustainable development.
With information from G1.
Great people do great works. May God give you more grace.
Bravo. I wish other people around the world will get inspired by the two of them.
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