Lucas Nascimento

Brazilian environmental engineer pioneering rainforest restoration through drone technology

Lucas Nascimento (b. 1989) has transformed reforestation efforts in the Amazon through his startup Araucaria Drones. Since 2020, his seed-dispersing drone technology has replanted over 12 million trees in deforested areas, achieving 78% germination rates compared to traditional methods. His MIT-developed algorithms prioritize endangered species native to fragmented ecosystems.

Nascimento's 2022 project 'Amazon Green Grid' uses satellite mapping to identify optimal planting zones, reducing costs by 60%. This work earned him the Bloomberg Green Ticker Award and partnerships with WWF and the Brazilian government. His drones now operate in 14 Amazonian states and Peru's Manu National Park.

In 2024, he launched the EcoDrone Academy, training indigenous communities to manage their own restoration projects. Over 800 local technicians have graduated, creating sustainable livelihoods while protecting biodiversity hotspots. His 2025 UN speech 'Drone-Driven Revival' proposed a global drone network to combat climate change, influencing COP28 reforestation pledges.