What was once a disused school site may soon become one of Lagos's most ambitious environmental projects in recent history, after a grassroots campaign secured strong political backing for a new municipal green park. However, the final obstacle obstructing the path of this passion project takes the form of Lagos City Council, which has yet to formally commit to the project.
Lagos Mais Verde, a non-partisan citizens' movement, was founded on a simple premise: that a growing city should not come at the expense of its natural environment. Driven by local residents, the group has spent the past year championing an ambitious vision to transform the 2.3-hectare grounds of the former EB2,3 school into a vibrant public green space.
The plans include a Miyawaki urban forest, a Mediterranean mindfulness garden, children's play areas, and outdoor educational spaces for local schools. The project aims to boost biodiversity and create a much-needed sanctuary in the heart of the city.
On 27 April 2026, following months of relentless community advocacy, representatives of Lagos Mais Verde presented their vision to a packed Municipal Assembly chamber. In what campaigners describe as a historic breakthrough, councillors from every political party voted unanimously in favour of a motion supporting the creation of the green park and strengthening tree-planting initiatives across the municipality.
Anna Jaworska, spokesperson for the movement, said the need for such a regenerative space had become increasingly urgent.
"Between late 2025 and early 2026, the council felled numerous mature trees throughout the historic centre and along Marina Road, citing disease and public safety concerns," she said. "Although 157 saplings were planted in March 2026, a young tree cannot instantly replace the environmental value of a mature one."
She noted that it can take decades for newly planted trees to deliver the same benefits, including stormwater absorption, shade and the cooling effect that can lower surrounding temperatures by as much as 10C during the Algarve's increasingly intense summer heatwaves.
The loss of mature trees has catalysed a desire for action amongst local residents. In recent months, campaigners have tied textile bands around surviving trees to call for greater protection and transparency, drawing inspiration from successful citizen-led conservation movements in cities such as Sheffield and Seville.
Yet despite the celebratory mood, campaigners are under no illusion that the battle has been won. The Municipal Assembly's decision carries significant political weight, but it remains advisory. The final decision on whether the park will become a reality rests with Lagos City Council, which has yet to formally commit to the project.
For that reason, Lagos Mais Verde is pressing ahead with its petition campaign. Having already surpassed 4,200 signatures, making it the largest civic petition in the city's recent history. The group hopes to reach the symbolic milestone of 5,000 before presenting it to councillors.
Anyone aged 18 or over may sign the petition, regardless of nationality, provided they hold a valid passport or citizen card.
Supporters wishing to back the campaign can find further information and sign the petition at www.lagosmaisverde.org.
Source: Sophie Sadler / Tomorrow Magazine
Photo credit: Lagos Mais Verde
