Inspirational women in sustainability: Maria Tereza Jorge Pádua

Welcome to the second edition of our Inspirational Women in Sustainability series! Every first Monday of the month, we spotlight a remarkable woman who is working tirelessly to create a sustainable future for our planet.

This month, we're proud to present Maria Tereza Jorge Pádua, a trailblazing conservationist who has redefined Brazil's approach to environmental protection and left an indelible mark on global conservation efforts.

Maria Tereza Jorge Pádua: Guardian of Brazil's Natural Treasures

Maria Tereza Jorge Pádua is hailed as one of Brazil's most influential environmentalists. Beginning her career in the 1970s, Maria Tereza became a key figure in the creation of Brazil's vast network of protected areas.

As head of Brazil's National Parks Department, she was instrumental in the creation of 8 million hectares of protected land, including 26 national parks, ecological stations and reserves. Her groundbreaking work not only protected Brazil's rich biodiversity in the Amazon, Pantanal and Cerrado regions, but also introduced innovative conservation strategies to balance environmental protection and economic development.

Maria Tereza's vision went beyond policymaking. She emphasized the importance of community involvement, demonstrating that sustainable development could coexist with the livelihoods of local people. Her achievements earned her worldwide recognition, including the prestigious Goldman Environmental Prize in 1999 for her unwavering commitment to conservation.

For a deeper dive into her life and work, see this [in-depth article on Maria Tereza Jorge Pádua] (oeco.org.br/reportagens/maria-tereza-jorge-padua-a-mulher-que-criou-8-milhoes-de-hectares-em-areas-protegidas-no-brasil).

Explore the legacy

For those inspired to learn more about her work, here are some valuable resources:

Articles & Interviews: The Goldman Environmental Prize - Discover her award-winning conservation projects. [Learn more here] -

O Eco Feature: An in-depth look at Maria Tereza's contributions to Brazil's protected areas. [Read here]

Books & Publications.- Conserva??o da Natureza no Brasil: Análises e Propostas"* (co-authored by Maria Tereza): This book explores strategies for conservation and sustainable development in Brazil.

Podcasts & Documentaries.- WWF Brazil Podcast: Discusses their pioneering work in creating protected areas and conserving biodiversity in Brazil.

Why Maria Tereza Jorge Pádua Inspires Us

Maria Tereza's legacy reminds us that sustainable development and conservation are not mutually exclusive. Her innovative strategies and unwavering commitment to protecting Brazil's natural resources demonstrate the profound impact one individual can have on the planet. Her work has also deeply influenced the vision of our organization and our founder, whose passion for conservation is fueled by trailblazers like Maria Tereza. With a personal connection to Brazil, our founder spent 10 years immersed in studying and researching the country's unparalleled natural beauty and ecosystems-a journey inspired by leaders like Maria Tereza Jorge Pádua. We hope her story inspires you to think creatively about how to protect nature while empowering communities. Stay tuned for next month's feature, where we'll celebrate another visionary woman shaping the future of sustainability. Have a suggestion for future issues? We're always open to new ideas-feel free to share your recommendations for inspiring women in sustainability we should highlight!