The city of Campinas in Sao Paolo, Brazil faced a similar challenge to that of Bogota when it came to its green areas. Separated by roads, agriculture, and other human activities, Campinas’ green areas were becoming increasingly isolated from each other.

Photo: Toninho Oliveira

In an aim to re-connect these otherwise fragmented green areas - thereby improving dispersion of seeds, plant and animal species, and maintaining healthier biodiversity overall - Mayor Dario Saadi of Campinas established the “Plano Verde” (“Green Plan”) in 2016, identifying and establishing over 250 kilometers of ecological corridors in the city.

These ecological corridors were identified using geo-spatial analysis, which revealed the areas’ healthy potential for forest and vegetation growth. With support from the 20 municipalities in Campanis, more than 400,000 seedlings were planted in these areas to foster the growth of native trees.

Though the Green Plan is still under way, the impact of these corridors - once fully established - will go beyond ensuring greater genetic diversity. The corridors will provide a safe path for animals - including iconic keystone species like the puma - to travel, minimizing the odds of being run over on roads, as well as other encounters that are potentially dangerous for both wildlife and humans.

Photo: Carlos Bassan

Outside the Green Plan, and extending on the theme of keeping both people and nature at the heart urban initiatives, Campinas also launched their #CampinaSemQueimadas Campaign, helping educate the community on the dangers of forest fires. This then empowered locals to better alert authorities when fires are spotted, minimizing potential damage in both urban and rural areas. Engaging the community was also a critical piece of Campinas’ “Linear Parks Implementation Program,” where locals were given the chance to express their needs and thoughts on how newly formed parks could better address them.