The Manuelzão Project, established in 1997 in Brazil, aims to restore the Velhas River Basin, which is vital for both ecosystem health and public well-being. The project emerged from the insights of public health doctor Apolo Heringer, who recognized the link between clean rivers and health during a fishing trip. It operates on the principle that human health is intrinsically connected to ecosystem health, promoting collective health through interdisciplinary collaboration. The project has successfully improved water quality and increased fish populations, particularly the dorado, a bioindicator of water quality. With initiatives like Goal 2034, the project seeks to further enhance water quality and public health in the Belo Horizonte Metropolitan Region, addressing the challenges posed by urbanization and pollution.