Green spaces in cities are highly beneficial for our physical and mental health. Trees and plants help combat pollution, and where there is vegetation and soil, the high temperatures typical of urban areas can be mitigated. If we go further by tackling waste, increasing reuse and recycling, promoting improved stoves that reduce contamination, organizing thousands of young people into Environmental Brigades to clean and beautify their neighborhoods, and mobilizing entire communities to develop environmental projects, we have Viana Verde.

The project aims to improve the management of natural resources, as well as mobilize women and youth from the urban neighborhoods of Zango and Estalagem in Luanda to participate in environmental actions, urban beautification, tree planting, and promoting environmental education and entrepreneurship through the recycling of paper, plastic, glass, metal, and clothing. Viana has rich biological diversity—25 years ago, it was green fields and agricultural land—and preserving the ecosystem is essential for the sustainable development of the municipality. The project has initiated skills training in sewing and transforming second-hand clothing to add value, as well as a course on efficient charcoal stove production. Both activities are accompanied by entrepreneurship training. The environmental brigades have sprung into action, and the first community events have been held.

News from the project