In just over two decades, Brazilian Helio da Silva has single-handedly planted approximately 40,000 trees in the urban jungle of Sao Paulo. The former food industry executive recalls being labeled 'crazy' when he began his mission to transform a former drug users' hangout between two busy avenues. Today, Tiquatira Park stands as a testament to his efforts, boasting thousands of trees from 160 species spread across 3.2 kilometers long and 100 meters wide.
At 73 years old, Da Silva says he embarked on this journey because he 'wanted to leave a legacy to the city that hosted me. I started and never stopped.' Originally from Promissao, about 500 kilometers from Sao Paulo, Da Silva moved to the largest city in Latin America decades ago. Without formal authorization, he began his project in 2003, using his own savings to collect and buy cuttings for planting in his adopted city. Five years later, Sao Paulo officially recognized his project as the city's first linear park.
According to the municipality, 45 species of birds have been identified in the park. 'Look how he has transformed that degraded area. It's splendid!' exclaims Angela Maria Fiorindo Pereira, a 69-year-old retired teacher who frequently visits the park. Experts emphasize that green spaces like Tiquatira are vital for reducing temperatures in concrete urban centers and improving air quality. Sao Paulo, home to 12 million people, faces severe pollution, and recent forest fires in Brazil have further degraded air quality.
Da Silva's inspiration came while walking with his wife Leda in 2003 through a derelict area of the metropolis. He estimates spending about $7,000 per year on the project, though he hasn't disclosed the total expenditure. Retired since 2022, he dedicates his days to monitoring his trees, ensuring they receive proper pruning and composting. Proud of his work, he often strolls among the trees, occasionally hugging a trunk or pointing out a family of trees from great-grandfather to great-grandson.
Da Silva frequently travels with two photo albums documenting the land's transformation and is warmly received wherever he goes. He claims it takes him about 10 minutes to plant a cutting and enjoys conversing with them 'in a low voice' to avoid being thought of as crazy 'once again.' Although he receives sporadic help from volunteers, his enthusiasm for his work remains undiminished by age. His ultimate goal is to plant 50,000 trees, as indicated by his business card: 'Helio da Silva, Tree Planter.'
