Transforming a Sao Paulo Riverbank with 25,000 Trees – Tiquatira Linear Park

Helio Da Silva is a retired business administrator. In his Sao Paulo neighborhood, there is a river where both sides of the riverbanks were degraded, full of garbage, and frequented by drug dealers and users. There was no green space in this neighborhood. In 2003 he had the idea of transforming the Tiquatira banks by planting trees. 

Since 2003 Helio has been planting trees along the Tiquatira stream. By 2007, he had planted 5000 trees, and the city government recognized the area as the first linear park in Sao Paulo. The recognition by the city gave Helio momentum to increase the pace of his tree planting.

By 2020, Helio had planted more than 25,047 trees at the site with an 88% survival rate. For every 12 trees planted by him, one is a fruit-bearing tree, such as fig trees and peaches. The logic behind the fruit trees is to attract different species of birds, especially during the fruit-bearing season. The strategy has worked. The park trees provide clean air, retain 40% of torrential rain, and avoid erosion.

The Park features various gym equipment, tables, benches, toilets, and playground equipment installed by the city. The Park is now a hub for the local community providing a much-needed outdoor space. 

Helio paid for all the trees he planted. He feels that the money he has put into the trees benefits him, his neighborhood and the planet. Helio’s selfless act has inspired other people to take similar projects of healing nature.

After planting more than 25,000 trees at Tiquatira park, Helio is not yet done. He lives close to the park and every Saturday he still plants trees. He wants to reach a 50,000-tree milestone as his legacy to the future generation.