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The Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Marina Silva, was awarded the John C. Phillips Medal, awarded by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The honor, awarded annually since 1963, recognizes “exceptional services” provided to environmental conservation at an international level.
Marina received one of the highest honors given to those who defend the environment/Photo:Mathilde Missioneiro/Folhapress
The award was announced during the IUCN World Congress, held in Abu Dhabi, in the United Arab Emirates. The honor was received on behalf of the minister by the director of Protected Areas of the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MMA), Pedro da Cunha e Menezes, who represented Brazil at the event.
In a speech, Marina Silva highlighted that the recognition symbolizes the country’s collective effort in defending nature. “It is with great honor and gratitude that I receive the news of having been awarded the John Phillips memorial medal, awarded by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. This honor represents for me not only individual recognition, but recognition of the collective effort of the Brazilian people and the many people, communities and institutions that fight tirelessly to defend life, the forest and the climate”, he stated.
The minister dedicated the award to the Brazilian people and environmental defenders. “I receive this medal on behalf of traditional populations, indigenous peoples and all defenders of nature who continue to believe that it is possible to build a more just, balanced and supportive world, with all forms of life”, he concluded.
Created in 1948, IUCN is considered the largest and most diverse environmental network in the world, bringing together more than 1,400 members, including governments and civil society organizations, with a focus on conserving biodiversity and promoting sustainable development.
