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ASEZ WAO Wins Brazil’s Hugo Werneck Award for Environment and Sustainability
Mother’s Forest Project Named Winner in International Category
ASEZ WAO, the Church of God Young Adult Worker Volunteer Group, was named the winner in the international category of the 16th Hugo Werneck Award for Environment and Sustainability (XVI Prêmio Hugo Werneck de Meio Ambiente & Sustentabilidade, PHW), one of Brazil’s leading environmental awards. At the awards ceremony held on June 8 at the Centro de Convenções da CDL-BH in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil, ASEZ WAO was honored for its ecosystem restoration efforts carried out around the world in response to the climate crisis.
Established in 2010, the Hugo Werneck Award honors the legacy of Brazilian environmentalist Hugo Werneck (1919–2008). Organized by the Brazilian environmental publication Revista Ecológico, with support from the government of Minas Gerais and organizations affiliated with Brazil’s federal Ministry of the Environment, the award is widely known as the “Oscar of Brazilian Ecology.” Projects are evaluated based on their contributions to sustainable development, environmental conservation, as well as their innovation, educational value, and potential for wider adoption. The 16th awards ceremony, held under the theme “Climate Change,” brought together individuals, businesses, public institutions, and NGOs. Of 150 projects submitted, 11 initiatives received awards.
ASEZ WAO’s Mother’s Forest Project, which won the International Category (Destaque Internacional), is part of the organization’s efforts to address climate change. Inspired by the heart of a mother caring for her children, the project encourages people plant trees to create green spaces, prevent desertification, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Through the Mother’s Forest Project, ASEZ WAO has carried out more than 350 tree-planting events around the world and planted approximately 79,000 saplings, working toward its goal of “One Person, One Tree.” Members also hold seminars in and outside their workplaces to raise awareness of the project and encourage workers to participate. In cooperation with local governments, they also organize tree-planting activities together with local residents.
The judging panel highly praised the efforts of young adults around the world whose voluntary actions have made tangible contributions to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, preventing desertification, and conserving biodiversity. ASEZ WAO members who attended the ceremony shared their thoughts on receiving the award, saying, “We will continue to take the lead in protecting nature and the planet with the heart of a mother.”
