In a significant move towards environmental sustainability, São Paulo, Brazil, has announced an ambitious plan to plant 50 urban forests and 1,000 rain gardens by 2028.
This initiative, spearheaded by Mayor Ricardo Nunes, aims to enhance the city's green infrastructure and mitigate the impacts of climate change.
The project, announced on World Environment Day, involves an estimated investment of R$10.2 million and will cover an area of approximately 56,000 square meters, with the planting of 3,839 trees.
The urban forests will be strategically located in areas such as the Limão, Jânio Quadros, Casa Verde, and Vila Guilherme bridges, along the Marginal Tietê, as part of the city's Green Corridor.
The rain gardens, designed to reduce flooding, will be implemented in areas prone to inundation, including the Sé, Mooca, Santana, and Freguesia do Ó sub-prefectures.
These gardens act as natural filters, allowing rainwater to infiltrate the soil, thereby reducing the burden on the urban drainage system.
The city currently has 420 rain gardens, with the goal of reaching 1,000 by 2028.
This expansion is part of São Paulo's broader strategy to combat climate change, enhance the quality of life for its residents, and preserve the city's flora and fauna.