The launch of the 2023 Municipal Urban Tree Planting Program will take place on Wednesday, April 26, from 9 am to 12 pm, at Praça Mansueto Bernardi, in the Cristo Rei neighborhood. Sponsored by the City of São Leopoldo and the Municipal Environment Secretariat (Semmam), the program is integrated into the Local Climate Action Plan (Plac) and aims to offset carbon emissions with donations of seedlings for planting by the population.
The tree planting program foresees 15 actions for this year, with the aim of involving neighborhood associations, schools and the community in general. The activities will take place from April to August, a period considered favorable for planting trees in Rio Grande do Sul.
Environment Secretary Anderson Etter emphasized the importance of planning for urban planting. He explained that it is important to have guidance from technicians from the Department of the Environment to carry out planting properly, without compromising public roads, electrical wiring or urban drainage systems. The municipal nursery provides seedlings and guidance from agronomists to ensure the benefits of afforestation in the city.
Semmam biologist Joel Garcia Dias explained that the project aims to encourage community participation in combating climate change and planting trees. Citizens who undertake to plant the donated seedlings will receive Certificates of Friend of the Climate and the Planet in recognition of their positive action. The criteria for receiving the certificates will be explained when the seedling is delivered.
Changes to the community
Each citizen of São Leopoldo can remove up to three tree seedlings at the Municipal Nursery, located next to the Imperatriz Leopoldina Municipal Natural Park. When requesting seedlings, the characteristics of the planting site are analyzed and the best species are indicated. Guidelines for healthy plant growth are also provided. Semmam’s Department of Urban Afforestation (DAU) provides assistance via WhatsApp at the number 3588 6446 for protocol inquiries, from 8 am to 2 pm.
