Fifteen years ago, a dream took root in Paraguay. A dream that would grow into a nationwide movement of hope and environmental renewal. A Todo Pulmón Paraguay Respira, which translates as “With All Our Lungs, Paraguay Breathes,” was founded in 2009 by the late Humberto Rubín, a revered journalist and passionate environmentalist. His vision was simple yet profound: to plant trees, protect nature, and awaken a deep love for the world around us.
What began as an ambitious goal to plant 14 million trees has blossomed into one of Paraguay’s leading environmental organisations. Today, more than 50 million trees stand tall across the country as living monuments to that dream, inspiring communities, and offering a tangible promise of a greener future.
Communities, education, and life-giving projects
At the heart of A Todo Pulmón lies a mission to cultivate environmental consciousness, foster sustainable practices, and combat climate change. Their work stretches across Paraguay, restoring degraded forests, protecting biodiversity, and ensuring access to clean water. Each initiative, from tree planting to empowering rural communities, is a step towards a fairer, greener nation.
Among the most cherished programmes is “Paraguay Planta,” an annual tree-planting campaign that unites citizens, schoolchildren, and businesses in collective action. Another celebrated initiative, “Colosos de la Tierra (Colossi of the Earth)” honours the oldest and grandest native trees, majestic guardians of the forest that command reverence and pride in all who witness them.
In 2024, the organisation launched “Water for Development,” a transformative project supported by Spain’s AECID agency. This initiative provides clean water and sustainable agriculture to over 850 Indigenous families in Paraguay’s remote Chaco region. For communities long overlooked, this project brought more than water – it delivered opportunity, and life itself.
Education remains a cornerstone of the organisation. At their nursery school in Ñu Guasu Park, young minds and future leaders gain hands-on experience in environmental stewardship. Through workshops, technical programmes, and internships, they learn not only how to plant trees, but also why every effort matters.
A legacy of hope and action
Innovation and accountability define A Todo Pulmón. Every tree is geolocated and digitally tracked, ensuring transparency and long-term monitoring. This care reflects the organisation’s ethos: every tree, like every person, has a place and a purpose.
Over the years, A Todo Pulmón has formed powerful alliances with WWF, the European Union, Itaipú Binacional, and local cooperatives, strengthening its reach and resilience. In 2019, the organisation was recognised by Great Place to Work as one of Paraguay’s Top 10 Best Places to Work, a testament to its values and unwavering social mission.
A voice for the forests
Now under the passionate leadership of Ezequiel García Rubín, the founder’s grandson, the organisation celebrated its 15th anniversary in 2024. This milestone is more than a date on the calendar: it is a reaffirmation of purpose. From humble beginnings to national leadership, A Todo Pulmón has become a voice for the forests, a friend to communities in need, and a symbol of what is possible when people unite for the planet.
Beyond its own projects, A Todo Pulmón also shares the vision of volunteer park rangers across Paraguay, who embody citizen commitment in the defence of nature. These volunteers monitor protected areas, educate local communities, and act as guardians of biodiversity. Together, these initiatives demonstrate that caring for the planet is not only possible, but deeply rooted in citizen action.
For more information check A Todo Pulmón on Instagram.
