Among Brazil’s state capitals, Curitiba is considered a pioneer in sustainable urban planning.

The vision for its approach goes back to the early 1970s – well before most of the world even considered sustainability.

This week, CGTN correspondent Paulo Cabral begins a five-part series on this progressive city – now seen as a model for responsible growth.

In Part One, he introduces us to the man behind its innovative journey.

Curitiba’s “Green Exchange” program

Recycling is an important part of any city’s efforts to become more sustainable. But getting people to participate is often a challenge.

CGTN’s Paulo Cabral is looking at the southern Brazilian city of Curitiba – seen as a model for urban sustainability.

In the second part of the series, Cabral breaks down the city’s ‘Green Exchange’ program.

Trading recycling for produce

In Curitiba, Brazil, people are trading in their recyclables for produce.

Trucks of food stop by each neighborhood twice a month, where residents are lining up to trade.

It’s a spin on bringing produce from ‘farm to table,’ that also encourages people to recycle. 

Fighting flooding in Curitiba

Disaster risk reduction is an essential element of sustainable urban development. ​And in many cities, the biggest disaster risk comes in the form of flooding. That’s certainly the case in Curitiba, Brazil.

Our correspondent Paulo Cabral shows us how Curitiba has mitigated flooding through the strategic planning of urban lakes and green spaces.

 
The Honey Gardens program

Sustainable development is impossible without protections for an area’s ecosystem and its native plants and animals. And few creatures are as crucial to the planet’s health as bees since most food crops depend on their work as pollinators.

All this week, CGTN has been putting a spotlight on the city of Curitiba, Brazil, and its pioneering work toward sustainability.

Today, in Part 4, CGTN’s correspondent Paulo Cabral explores a city project to raise awareness of bees’ importance while also boosting the bee population.