Miyawaki Forest Planted in Lisbon as Final Act of European Tree Planting Day
On Saturday, 28th February 2026, over 75 enthusiastic volunteers gathered in Lisbon's Alvalade neighbourhood to plant a dense new Miyawaki forest, marking the final event of this season's European Tree Planting Day initiative. The action brought together neighbours, children, families, and local organisations in a powerful display of community-led climate action. Life Terra facilitated the donation of 20 different native species for this urban forest, planted by volunteers. These trees will provide shade, cooling, and biodiversity for the neighbourhood for years to come.
A Collaborative Effort
The event was officially opened by Sasi Kandasamy, President of Urbem, who thanked all participating organisations and volunteers while stressing the critical importance of local climate initiatives. She was followed by Tomás Gonçalves, President of the Junta de Freguesia de Alvalade, who highlighted the essential role residents will play in both the planting and the long-term maintenance of this new green space, so needed in this densely populated area.
Vasco Rodrigues, Deputy Ambassador of the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Portugal, addressed the crowd on the value of urban regreening projects and the strong collaboration between Dutch and Portuguese organisations that made this initiative possible.
Finally, Life Terra founder Sven Kallen spoke about the growing network of Miyawaki forests springing up in and around European cities through Life Terra's work. He celebrated this new Lisbon forest as a prime example of joint climate action helping urban areas become more resilient in the face of rapidly changing climate conditions.
Preparing for the Long Term
The planting site had been carefully prepared in advance. Swales were dug to capture rainwater naturally, and the soil was enriched with compost to give the young trees the best possible start. Over the coming days, a protective layer of mulch will be added to suppress weeds and improve water retention. An irrigation system has also been installed to support healthy establishment and growth throughout the coming months.
A Fitting Conclusion and the Road Ahead
With this event, participants gave this year's European Tree Planting Day campaign a truly meaningful send-off. The energy, commitment, and sense of shared purpose on display in Lisbon encapsulate everything the movement stands for.
Life Terra aims to return with even more events across Europe next planting season, expanding the network of community-led reforestation. Until then, these 20+ native species will take root, grow, and remind us all of what can be achieved when communities come together for the planet.
Thank you to every volunteer, partner, and supporter who made this day, and this entire season, possible!