“Our Power, Our Planet”

The official theme for Earth Day 2026, announced by EARTHDAY.ORG, the global Earth Day network

“Acting locally for global impact”

The official theme for the 2026 International Day for Biological Diversity, announced by the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)

As the world faces the climate crisis, desertification, and biodiversity loss, environmental organizations around the world and the United Nations have called for immediate and united action. Along with policy changes by governments and businesses, the collective efforts of local communities and individuals will be key to saving the planet. After all, an action that begins in one small community can create a butterfly effect, spreading across borders and becoming a powerful force for restoring ecosystems on the other side of the world. In response to this global call for environmental action, people around the world rolled up their sleeves to breathe life into dry and barren land.

To mark Earth Day (22 April) and the International Day for Biological Diversity (22 May), the International WeLoveU Foundation (“WeLoveU”) carried out the “Mom’s Garden Project 2026” in five countries from April 22 to June 28. The activities were tailored to each country’s climate and geographical features, as well as local governments’ greening priorities. WeLoveU members worked tirelessly, planting trees at various sites to bring forth green shoots of hope in dry and barren land.

A Look at the Mom’s Garden Project 2026

🌳 Boca de Sapo Ecotourism Forest Park, Lima, Peru (April 22)

Tree Species	Peruvian peppertree, lesser bougainvillea and others
Trees Planted	70
Partner Organization	Environmental Management Department, District Municipality of Independencia
Expected Benefits	– Reducing fine particulate matter and expanding carbon sinks by restoring vegetation and preventing desertification in the coastal desert region – Preventing landslides during the rainy season by reducing soil loss and erosion on hillsides – Improving local residents’ quality of life by creating an ecological park and recreational space

“Planting trees raises awareness of the importance of urban greening. Lima, with a population approaching 10 million, must also recognize the importance of green spaces. They not only provide climate benefits but also help create a more orderly and pleasant urban environment and relieve the stresses of daily life. I support these efforts and believe they should be expanded further.”

José Enrique Jerí Oré, Member of Congress and Former President of Peru

🌳 2225 Eduardo Mondlane Avenue, Maputo, Mozambique (May 10)

Tree Species	Acacia
Trees Planted	15
Partner Organization	Department of Urban Infrastructure, Maputo City Council
Expected Benefits	– Mitigating the urban heat island effect and providing shade – Enriching dry urban soil through nitrogen fixation by bacteria in the root nodules of acacia trees – Absorbing air pollutants and improving the urban landscape

“I would like to thank WeLoveU for bringing more shade to the city and making our community more beautiful.”

Raimundo Francisco Macheler, Landscape Specialist, Department of Urban Infrastructure, Maputo City Council

“We planted trees to help address climate change and make the world greener. Tree-planting activities raise awareness of the importance of environmental protection, helping to reduce logging and relieve stress.”

Alfredo Lino Nyabomba, WeLoveU Member

🌳 Bellevue State Park, Wilmington, Delaware, U.S. (May 10)

Tree Species	Redbud
Trees Planted	46
Partner Organization	Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC)
Expected Benefits	– Conserving the local natural ecosystem by planting tree species native to the eastern United States – Increasing biodiversity in the park as redbud blossoms provide food and shelter for pollinators

“It is truly inspiring to see green spaces being created, even in a small park in Wilmington, to help protect the planet. It is also exciting to witness this change and see it spread around the world.”

Avery Eileen Martinenza, Miss Delaware’s Teen

🌳 Rose Garden at Anyangcheon in Seoul, Korea (May 27)

Plant Species	Spirea, pink muhly grass, and other plants
Plants Planted	293
Partner Organization	Parks and Greenery Division, Geumcheon-gu Office, Seoul
Expected Benefits	– Conserving the river ecosystem and enhancing biodiversity by creating an urban ecological hub with a variety of plant species – Addressing climate change by expanding carbon sinks, reducing fine particulate matter, and mitigating the urban heat island effect – Creating a relaxing space for local residents by improving the landscape along Anyangcheon Stream

“We thank WeLoveU for its meaningful donation and participation in the planting activities. We will continue to work with a wide range of civic organizations to expand green spaces and promote a garden culture that residents can experience in their daily lives.”

Official, Geumcheon-gu Office, Seoul

🌳 Junda Area at Tudor Creek, Mombasa, Kenya (May 28)

Tree Species	Mangrove trees
Trees Planted	1,000
Partner Organization	Brain Youth Group
Expected Benefits	– Preventing coastal erosion as mangrove roots firmly stabilize the soil and form a natural barrier against cyclones and other natural disasters – Restoring healthy food chains in damaged coastal and marine ecosystems by providing safe breeding grounds and shelter for a wide range of species – Contributing to local carbon reduction and strengthening the region’s resilience to climate-related disasters through mangroves’ high carbon-absorption capacity

“I am very happy to take part in planting mangrove seedlings. Planting trees to help address climate change has long been one of my goals. This activity is even more meaningful because it is helping restore a local environment that has been damaged over many years. Mangrove planting will also help replenish coastal fish stocks, greatly benefiting my family and the local economy.”

Eunice Mutiku, Secretary-General, Brain Youth Group¹

1. A youth-led environmental and social organization based in Mombasa, Kenya. It helps disadvantaged communities become self-reliant and leads efforts to conserve coastal ecosystems and address the climate crisis through mangrove restoration and sustainable beekeeping. ↩︎

🌳 Arverne East Nature Preserve, Far Rockaway, New York, U.S. (May 31)

Plant Species	Blueberry shrubs, prickly pear cactus, and other plants
Plants Planted	88
Partner Organizations	American Littoral Society; New York City Department of Parks & Recreation
Expected Benefits	– Preventing soil erosion along the Atlantic coastline and restoring biodiversity – Increasing carbon absorption in New York City’s coastal areas by creating green spaces centered on native plants and strengthening the city’s response to climate change – Providing New Yorkers with an eco-friendly recreational space and making a tangible contribution to improving the quality of life in local communities

“As a member of the local community, I was deeply impressed to see volunteers working together to make a positive difference in the environment. It was also a very rewarding experience for me personally.”

Elizabeth Rivadeneira, Senior HR Business Partner at Amazon

🌳 Emma & Nicholas DePietro Park, East Hartford, Connecticut, U.S. (June 28)

Plant Species	Celosia, salvia, and other plants
Plants Planted	241
Partner Organization	HDR
Expected Benefits	– Providing a safe habitat for pollinators, including endangered species, such as bees and butterflies – Creating a cleaner and more pleasant environment in and around the park through environmental improvement activities – Providing local residents with a safe place to rest and a welcoming space where they can connect with one another in nature

“I hope today’s event reminds people that there are those who genuinely care about the local community. Taking time out of a busy weekend to help tend a community garden is truly meaningful.”

Andrew Michalakis, Civil Construction Inspector at HDR

Tree planting offers significant environmental benefits by helping prevent desertification and absorb carbon. In particular, trees that take firm root on steep slopes and barren terrain serve as a strong natural shield, reducing soil erosion and the risk of landslides during the rainy season and helping ensure safer living conditions for nearby residents. Urban forests also provide residents with emotional comfort and help relieve the stresses of daily life.

WeLoveU will continue carrying out environmental restoration activities in close cooperation with local governments around the world and the international community to protect our one and only planet and promote the sustainable well-being of humanity. Just as a mother cares for her children, WeLoveU will continue caring for the Earth, never ceasing its efforts until the land has fully regained its vitality.