Enviro News Asia, Brasília — The Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change of Brazil officially introduced the National Urban Afforestation Plan (PlaNAU) to expand green coverage in cities and strengthen climate resilience.
The policy, published in Brazil’s Official Gazette, aims to increase urban tree coverage as part of efforts to combat climate change, reduce heat impacts, and improve living conditions across urban areas.
The plan targets raising the proportion of residents living near at least three trees from 45.5 percent to 65 percent, while expanding urban vegetation coverage by 360,000 hectares. It also requires all states and municipalities to adopt urban afforestation planning instruments by 2045.
According to Adalberto Maluf, the initiative provides concrete measures to address climate challenges in cities by enhancing biodiversity and delivering environmental, social, and economic benefits. He stated that increasing green areas would directly improve urban quality of life.
The government designed the plan to mitigate urban heat islands, improve stormwater management, and enhance city resilience against extreme weather events. Authorities also emphasized the importance of coordination between federal, state, and local governments, as well as civil society, to ensure effective implementation.
Maurício Guerra highlighted that expanding green infrastructure is essential to addressing rising urban temperatures and strengthening climate adaptation strategies.
The plan aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals under the 2030 Agenda and will be implemented over a 20-year period from 2026 to 2045, with reviews every five years. It includes 93 actions organized into six strategic pillars developed in consultation with municipalities.
The PlaNAU forms part of Brazil’s broader Green and Resilient Cities Program, which focuses on improving environmental quality and enhancing urban resilience to climate change impacts.
The ministry will coordinate implementation in partnership with regional governments and other stakeholders to ensure long-term sustainability and effectiveness. (*)
