Marito Avelino: A Journey of Dedication and Environmental Leadership at Waku Kungo

18 de nov de 2024

6 min read

António Avelino Marito, Director of the Environment at Cela (Waku Kungo), accepted a challenge he never imagined for himself. Although his professional career was not initially linked to the environmental sector, he embraced the position with courage, determination and a clear vision: to raise environmental awareness through community and volunteer participation. Called by the Municipal Administrator, Mr. Francisco Mateus, to take on the position, Marito saw this mission as a unique opportunity to contribute to the sustainable development of his city.

Journey: From an Unexpected Invitation to a Life Mission

“It never crossed my mind to take on the role of Director of the Environment,” Marito confesses. However, motivated by the trust placed in him and the opportunity to face a new challenge, he accepted the appointment. Since then, he has dedicated his time, knowledge and life to the environmental cause.

Marito describes Waku Kungo as a blessed land, full of natural riches and an identity deeply linked to nature. “There is nothing better than experiencing the essence of this city, whose climate and first fruits always carry an unmistakable aroma of nature,” he says. This unique setting inspires him daily in his work.

Fig. 1: Local community gathered in large numbers, showing the impact and reach of community engagement in environmental efforts.

Function and Routine: A Life Dedicated to the Environment

Since taking office, Marito’s routine has changed completely. “Since I don’t have a degree in the area, I knew I needed to redouble my efforts,” he admits. His days start early, at 6 a.m., with the organization of work teams, followed by activities in the office, where he prepares documents and collective strategies. The afternoons are dedicated to inspections in neighborhoods to understand local environmental problems, while the weekends are spent with the Environmental Brigade, which promotes awareness-raising and community engagement actions.

Among the main challenges faced by Waku Kungo, Marito highlights:

Deforestation, both in the city center and in remote areas for charcoal production.
The lack of adequate macro-drainage for rainwater.
The degradation of gardens and green spaces.
The absence of a landfill.
The need for greater environmental and health education.

Fig. 2: Volunteers participating in the Green Lung project, which aims to plant trees and revitalize urban areas.

Achievements: A Legacy of Transformation

Since taking office, Marito has achieved many things that have transformed the city and positively impacted the community. When he started, Waku Kungo ranked 11th in the My Clean Municipality competition. In just four months, he reached 2nd place and, the following year, 1st place. Since then, the city has remained at the top of the rankings.

Other notable achievements include:

The planting of more than 2,000 trees and the distribution of 100 fruit trees to local families.
The restoration of the Children's Park and the Municipal Cemetery, restoring dignity to these spaces.
Improving the macro-drainage network in peripheral neighborhoods, eliminating flooding.
The implementation of a home solid waste collection system.
The creation of forest polygons and green areas that are now a source of pride for the city.

Fig. 3: Volunteers cleaning and planting trees as part of the municipality's environmental revitalization actions.

Fig. 4: Planting session in the Green Lung project, reinforcing the commitment to urban sustainability.

Community Impact: Mobilizing the Population

Marito believes that the success of the environmental sector depends on community collaboration. To this end, he created the BEEA (Special Environmental Education Brigade) , made up of young people committed to spreading sustainability messages in neighborhoods, schools and rural communities. In addition, he uses lectures, radio programs and social media to reach as many people as possible.

Examples of community impact include:

The closure of clandestine cemeteries, with the support of sobas and community leaders, to avoid contamination of soil and aquifers.
The planting of fruit trees in neighborhoods, which now feed local families.
The elimination of waste sources in various urban areas, thanks to the implementation of direct collection.

Fig. 5: BEEA staff participating in medical consultations and ecological actions to benefit the community.

Fig. 6: Children and families receiving free medical care during the "III Ecological Session."

Vision of the Future: An Ecological Waku Kungo

Marito’s vision for the future is ambitious: to transform Waku Kungo into an eco-friendly city, with sustainable practices integrated into the daily lives of the population. He also hopes that the central government will prioritize budgeting for the environmental sector, recognizing its importance to public health and general well-being.

“If one day I am no longer in the role, I want to have laid the foundations so that another team can easily continue the work,” says Marito. He ends with a message of faith: “Let us let God act. With Him, we can build the city and country we dream of.”

Fig. 7: Young volunteers celebrating advances in environmental sustainability, representing a future of hope and continued action.

Sobas: Guardians of Tradition and Allies of Sustainability

The “sobas,” traditional leaders of the Waku Kungo communities, play an essential role in the environmental initiatives led by Marito Avelino and his team. As highly respected and influential figures, the sobas provide a cultural link that strengthens the bond between local traditions and modern sustainability efforts.

The participation of sobas is crucial to the success of environmental actions. They help mobilize communities, promoting adherence to sustainable practices while ensuring that these changes respect local values and customs. In meetings like the one depicted in the image, sobas discuss strategies for integrating ecological practices into community routines, such as closing clandestine cemeteries and planting trees in neighborhoods.

Fig. 8: Sobas gathered in a community meeting, demonstrating the engagement of traditional leaders in environmental initiatives.

In addition, sobas act as bridges between generations, fostering collaboration between younger and older people. This intergenerational alignment not only strengthens community bonds, but also ensures that the solutions implemented have broad and lasting support. Their symbolic and practical leadership is an example of how cultural preservation can go hand in hand with environmental progress in Waku Kungo.

Green Lung: Reforesting the Future of Waku Kungo

One of the most emblematic initiatives led by Marito Avelino and his team is the Green Lung project, which aims to combat deforestation and restore the city's vegetation cover. As seen in the images, teams of volunteers, equipped with reflective vests, work tirelessly to plant trees along streets, neighborhoods and degraded areas.

Fig. 9: Volunteers planting trees as part of the Green Lung project, symbolizing revitalization and commitment to sustainability.

Green Lung is not only an effort to restore lost greenery, but also a strategy to improve air quality, reduce urban temperatures and provide more pleasant spaces for future generations. With over 2,000 trees planted so far, the project has already transformed previously abandoned areas into vibrant and promising environments.

Ecological Sessions: Health and Sustainability Go Hand in Hand

In addition to efforts aimed at environmental recovery, the Ecological Session program shows how human well-being is intrinsically linked to the environment. The images of free medical consultations carried out in local communities demonstrate how Marito's team goes above and beyond, combining health and sustainability.

Fig. 10: Free medical consultations during the III Ecological Session, benefiting local families.

Through these actions, medicines and services are offered to people in vulnerable areas, reinforcing the importance of an integrated approach. “Caring for the environment also means caring for the people who live in it,” says Marito. This holistic view transforms environmental impact into a force that directly benefits public health.

Youth Engagement: Educating for the Future

The images of children and young people actively participating in events such as lectures and recreational activities reflect the transformative power of environmental education. Moments like these are strategic for shaping a new generation aware of the importance of preserving nature.

Fig. 11: Children and volunteers celebrating at an educational event, promoting environmental awareness in a fun and interactive way.

By combining education and fun, these actions capture the interest of young people and plant the seeds of ecological responsibility in them. “Engaging young people is ensuring that our efforts today will continue into the future,” says Marito.

United for a Purpose: The Strength of the Collective

One of the highlights of Waku Kungo’s initiatives is the unity of the community. As seen in the images of groups working together, these actions are driven by a collective spirit that transcends ages and generations.

Fig. 12: Groups of volunteers collaborating in cleaning and planting activities, symbolizing the strength of the united community.

The presence of men, women, youth and chiefs in the initiatives demonstrates that the transformation of Waku Kungo is a shared effort. This unity not only strengthens community ties, but also ensures that the projects implemented have a lasting impact and broad social support.

Conclusion: An Inspiring City

Through Green Lung, Eco Sessions, and youth engagement, Waku Kungo is becoming an inspiring example of how communities can work together to preserve the environment and improve quality of life. The images featured throughout this article not only document these achievements, but also showcase the beauty of human collaboration for the greater good.

As Marito Avelino said: "Let's let God act. With Him, we can build the municipality and the country we dream of."