Historic Assembly Vote and the Push for 5,000 Signatures
Lagos Mais Verde is a non-partisan movement driven by the vision of a greener, healthier and more inclusive city. Founded by dedicated citizens, the group proposed an ambitious urban transformation: converting the 2.3-hectare grounds of the former EB2,3 school into a thriving municipal green park.
Tomorrow first reported on the plan in June 2025, which includes a Miyawaki urban forest, a Mediterranean mindfulness garden, children’s play areas, and educational spaces for local schools. Designed to align with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, the park promises to support urban biodiversity, improve public health, and provide a much-needed community sanctuary. Back then, the group’s public petition had gathered around 1,100 signatures.
Fast forward to 27 April 2026 and, following relentless community advocacy, Lagos Mais Verde presented their project in the municipal assembly to a completely packed room. In a monumental victory, all political parties voted unanimously in favour of the motion to create the green park and to strengthen tree planting across the municipality. This achievement was a powerful testament to a united community standing up to demand a sustainable future.
A spokesperson for the group, Anna Jaworska, commented, “The need for this regenerative space has never been more urgent. Between late 2025 and early 2026, the local council felled numerous mature trees across the city’s historic centre and marina road, citing disease and safety risks. Although 157 saplings were planted in March 2026, a young plant cannot instantly replace the environmental benefits of an adult tree. It takes decades for a sapling to provide the same stormwater absorption, shade, and the crucial 10°C cooling effect so desperately needed during scorching Algarve summers.”
Galvanised by this loss, the movement has been placing textile bands on remaining trees to demand protection and transparency, drawing inspiration from successful citizen tree-protection campaigns in Sheffield and Seville.
However, the momentous victory at the municipal assembly is not the end of the journey. The assembly’s approval acts as a strong recommendation, but the final decision to implement the park rests entirely with the city council, which has yet to provide a definitive response.
To secure a resounding “yes” from the city council, the movement must demonstrate undeniable public backing. Currently, the petition has received 4,200 signatures, making it the most successful community action in the city’s history, but the group hopes to reach 5,000 before submitting it to the council. Anyone over the age of 18, regardless of nationality, can sign the petition provided they have a citizen card or passport.
If you wish to support the group’s plans, visit the resources page at lagosmaisverde.org to sign and share the petition, ensuring Lagos remains green for generations to come.
Facebook: Lagos Mais Verde
