Campo Grande leads the national ranking of urban afforestation among Brazilian capitals, according to data from the 2022 demographic census released by the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE). The survey reveals that 91.4% of households in the capital of Mato Grosso are located on public roads with at least one tree, an index that places the city ahead of all other capitals in the country.
The IBGE study, which analyzed the urbanistic characteristics of the surroundings of households, considered only the presence of trees in public areas, excluding those in private backyards. The adopted methodology evaluated each stretch of the roads – called “side faces” – understood as a piece of the court where the home is, for example, from one corner to another. This means that the trees needed to be on the stretch of the street where residents lived.
In the national context, the average of Brazilians living on wooded streets is 66%. In contrast, 34% of the population lies on roads without any tree. Among the states, Mato Grosso do Sul stands out as the only one with a percentage above 90% of residents on wooded streets, reaching 92.5% 12.
The Municipal Secretary of Environment, Urban Management and Economic, Tourist and Sustainable Development, Ademar Silva Júnior, points out that in addition to national recognition, Campo Grande also stands out internationally “for the sixth consecutive year, the city received the title of“ Tree City of the World ”, granted by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the Arbor Day Foundation. In 2019, which reinforces the local commitment to the management and maintenance of the urban forest ”.
Benefits of Urban Forest for Quality of Life
The massive presence of trees on the streets brings numerous benefits to the population such as reducing temperatures and mitigation of urban heat islands, making the environment more pleasant and healthy, improving air quality, removing pollutants and increasing oxygen production, decreased stress, anxiety and promotion of physical and mental well-being, and incentive to practice outdoor activities.
For the mayor, Adriane Lopes, these recognitions reinforce the importance of public policies and the efficient management of urban afforestation “Campo Grande serves as an example for other Brazilian cities and the world. Urban forest, besides beautifying the city, is fundamental to ensure quality of life, health and well-being to the population, promoting truly sustainable development”.
BIDDING INEXIGIBILITY AUTHORIZATION No. 15/2025 – Bonito City Hall
In addition to contributing to real estate appreciation, reducing the risk of floods, as trees help absorb and filter rainwater, improving urban flow, promotion of biodiversity and creation of more resistant and sustainable environments.