A refreshing wave of green change swept through Praça da Juventude in Maputo, the capital of Mozambique. On July 17, the International WeLoveU Foundation (hereinafter “WeLoveU”), in partnership with the Maputo City Council, carried out the Mom’s Garden Project, planting 80 trees.

A total of 75 participants—including WeLoveU members, local residents, and officials from government and local authorities—came together for this meaningful initiative to address the climate crisis and restore biodiversity.

Before the full-scale activity began, an official from the Urban Infrastructure Department of the Maputo City Council explained the environmental benefits of trees and demonstrated proper planting techniques.

In Mozambique, rainfall during the rainy season is often irregular, and the dry season (May–October) is long, frequently leaving the soil hardened. For this reason, tree-planting methods require special care.

After carefully reviewing the guidelines, members planted Golden Shower Trees and Royal Palms throughout the square with great care.

Creating a mound around the planting pit and watering it thoroughly helps prevent soil erosion and retain moisture, enabling the roots to take hold more effectively. In areas with low rainfall and hardened soil, this method significantly improves tree survival rates.

Dionísio Zita Nhacule, Head of the Arboretum Division at the Department of Buildings, Parks and Gardens under the Urban Infrastructure Bureau of the Maputo City Council, stated: “This is a public space where people sit and rest on benches, but it lacked shade. Through this tree planting, we have been able to provide shade for citizens and enhance the urban landscape. This project will have a positive impact across the entire city of Maputo. We hope such efforts will continue so that more people can carry on this good practice.” He expressed his hope that the Mom’s Garden Project would expand to other areas.

Fátima Uacheque, Policy Officer at the National Directorate of Forests and Wildlife under the Ministry of Agriculture, Environment and Fisheries, emphasized the government’s role in restoring green spaces and improving the urban environment, highlighting the importance of continuous care and community participation.

“Mozambique is currently facing a serious loss of biodiversity. We hope that initiatives like this will help more citizens recognize the value of the environment and encourage residents to protect trees themselves and pass that value on to the next generation. The Ministry of Agriculture, Environment and Fisheries also looks forward to participating in such activities.”

Participants in the tree-planting also shared their joy at spending the day contributing to environmental protection.

A WeLoveU member Cléusia Neto said, “I feel like I’ve become an active part of protecting the environment,” adding, “I definitely want to take part in forest restoration activities as well.” Another WeLoveU member Domingos Tembe commented, “I hope to participate in more activities in the future to address the climate crisis and protect trees,” expressing his desire to introduce the project to more young people.

When the government, local authorities, and citizens come together, a sustainable urban environment becomes possible.

Just as green trees have taken root in Praça da Juventude—once dry and barren—Mozambique, too, can soon be filled with waves of green if more people become aware of environmental challenges and take action for positive change.

We hope that these trees, firmly rooted in the hard soil and growing strong, will bring refreshment to both the bodies and minds of citizens.

Join us in creating a greener future for Mozambique through tree planting.