Brazilian beach cleanup and tree‑planting drives boost local environmental action

On March 19, volunteers from the water utility Águas do Piauí, together with local artisans and fishermen, held a cleanup at Praia Pedra do Sal in Parnaíba, Piauí. Participants collected PET bottles, glass, plastic bags, straws, construction waste and other litter. Employee Thiago Natan said he was “very happy … to contribute to the environment,” while Associação de Artesãs e Pescadoras president Ducilene Oliveira urged visitors to use proper disposal bins. Coordinator Janderson Araújo highlighted the company’s social‑responsibility role in preserving the beach.

The next day, March 20, Barra do Piraí municipality concluded its Semana do Meio Ambiente with an ecological walk and the planting of 50 saplings on the banks of the Rio Paraíba do Sul near Cais de Santana. About 100 residents, including families and schoolchildren, took part. Secretary of Environment Christopher Taranto explained the program’s aim to broaden environmental debate and foster community participation. Participants such as teacher Paulo Roberto and student Gisele Garcia stressed the educational impact of the walk and planting activities.