Celestino Souza

Brazil's first environmental activist who pioneered rainforest conservation in Amazon basin

Amazon's Guardian

Born in 1910 in Pará, Brazil, Celestino witnessed rampant deforestation from childhood. His 1935 expedition logs (digitized here) document early ecological damage. In 1942, he founded Amazon Preservation League, the first NGO dedicated to rainforest protection.

Innovative Strategies

He pioneered community-based conservation through 'forest guardianship' programs, training indigenous groups in sustainable practices. His 1958 report Amazon's Vanishing Heart influenced Brazil's first environmental laws. Satellite data shows areas he protected retain 80% original biodiversity compared to surrounding regions.

Global Influence

Though largely unknown internationally, his work inspired modern activists like Marina Silva. The 2020 Nature study credits his methods with saving 1.2 million hectares of rainforest. His legacy lives through the annual Celestino Prize for environmental leadership.