Maria Margarida Ribeiro da Silva

Born in Porto de Moz, Pará, Brazil, Margarida is a community member in the “Verde para Semper” Extractive Reserve (Resex), a conservation unit covering around 1.3 million hectares. In 2006, after years of discussions with local public bodies and claims that were not being met, Margarida led the movement that resulted in the approval of the forest management plan for the area. The work allowed Resex residents to cut and sell wood in a sustainable way. Margarida was awarded the Wangari Maathai Forest Champions award in 2017. She is a member of the Mulher Forestal Network, an organization she represents in the scope of the Amazon Forest Forum.