A Skydiver’s Mission: Luigi Cani Drops 100 Million Seeds to Reforest the Amazon

In January 2022, Brazilian stunt performer Luigi Cani took on a daring challenge, not just to break records but to heal the planet. With an impressive career spanning over two decades, more than 14,000 jumps, and 11 world records, Cani has always pushed the boundaries of skydiving. But this time, he wasn’t just after thrills. His mission was to make a meaningful impact on the environment.

The Seed Drop: A Bold Plan to Fight Deforestation

Cani’s latest mission involved skydiving into a deforested region of the Amazon Rainforest, carrying with him a specially designed box filled with 100 million seeds from 27 native plant species. His goal? To release the seeds midair, in an effort to restore part of the devastated Amazon. The task, though bold and innovative, took five years of meticulous planning.

Navigating through layers of bureaucratic hurdles and securing necessary permits from the Brazilian government was just one challenge. Cani also had to ensure the box he would release was both biodegradable and capable of scattering the seeds effectively across a large area. The seeds were grown in a nearby rainforest for two months before the jump, carefully chosen to help rejuvenate the region’s unique ecosystem.

Facing Obstacles Just Days Before the Jump

The jump wasn’t without its challenges. Just days before the scheduled skydive, three test boxes failed to work as planned, causing the team a lot of anxiety. “We stayed up all night trying to figure out how to fix a leak in the box,” Cani recalled, noting how close they came to calling off the mission.

Finally, after fixing the box, Cani was ready to execute the drop. However, as he neared the moment of release, even holding the box steady proved difficult. “I struggled to hold the box. I almost hurt my wrist and fingers. But at about 6,000 feet, I managed to release the seeds exactly where we planned,” he said. The relief and joy of seeing the seeds scatter across the land made the tense effort worthwhile. “It was the only jump where I held my breath the entire time.”

A Positive Impact on the Amazon

Cani’s efforts seem to be paying off. The seeds, which boast a 95% germination rate, are now growing into trees that could eventually reach up to 50 meters tall. His team is carefully monitoring the progress with satellite technology, and by early 2024, they expect to fully assess the impact of the mission. If successful, Cani’s daring jump will have significantly helped a portion of the deforested Amazon recover.

Looking Ahead: Environmental Projects Over Daring Feats

At 51, Luigi Cani is shifting his focus from daring, risky jumps to projects that leave a lasting, positive legacy. “I’ve been skydiving for 25 years, always pushing limits with risky jumps,” he explained. “Now, I’m less interested in danger and more in making a positive impact.” With plans for future environmental projects, including one centered on addressing ocean plastic, Cani is using his skills and platform to draw attention to critical issues affecting the planet.

Through his ambitious seed drop, Luigi Cani has shown that even the most extreme sports can be harnessed for a greater good. His mission to fight deforestation is not just a testament to his skydiving prowess but to his commitment to making a tangible difference for the environment.