Helio da Silvaa 73-year-old Brazilian retiree, has dedicated over twenty years of his life to plant trees in his adopted city of São Paulo, transforming a run-down and abandoned area into a lush green oasis. His undertaking led to the creation of the Tiquatira Linear Parka green strip 3.2 kilometers long and 100 meters wide, nestled between two of the busiest streets of the Brazilian metropolis.
Started as a personal project in 2003, its goal has been to redevelop the banks of the Tiquatira riveran abandoned area that had become a meeting place for drug dealers and drug addicts. Da Silva, originally from Promissão, a city 500 kilometers from São Paulo, planted his first tree in 2003 and has never stopped since.
In the first four years of the project, he planted 5,000 trees aloneattracting the attention of the municipality, which recognized the importance of his work by declaring the area the first linear park in the city. This recognition has only motivated da Silva to continue his efforts to improve the urban environment by planting native and fruit-bearing species to attract birds and animals.
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Every Sunday he continues to plant new trees
In 2020 Helio had already planted more than 25,000 treesachieving a survival rate of 88%. Thanks to his efforts, the Tiquatira Linear Park is today populated by over 45 species of birds who have found refuge in this natural oasis. Today the park matters more than 41,000 treesbut Helio’s goal is to reach 50,000.
Although he was initially considered “crazy” for his dedication, Helio is now considered a local heropraised for his vision and commitment to improving the community’s quality of life. His work, as well as bringing environmental benefits such as rainwater absorption, shade and fresh air, has made the park a popular place, with the addition of fitness equipment, picnic tables, benches and play areas.
Every Sunday Helio keep planting new treesoften receiving help from other volunteers who share his passion for nature. Da Silva estimates he has invested approximately $7,000 per year to finance his project, an investment that he considers not only useful for himself and his family, but also for the entire city of São Paulo.
A commitment that reminds us of that of others heroes and heroines who love the Planet and who dedicate their lives to save it, like Saalumarada Thimmakka: the 111 year old Indian woman who planted more than 8,000 trees or Antoine Moses who alone planted more than 1.3 million trees in Canada. Simple people but with their gestures they are doing so much, so much for our future and who remind us how each of us can help, in our own small way, the environment to survive climate change.
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