Isabela Mueda

Brazilian environmental engineer revolutionizing urban agriculture in favelas

Isabela Mueda's innovative approach to urban farming has transformed food security in Rio de Janeiro's favelas. Her 2021 startup Verdant Rio pioneered vertical farming systems using recycled materials, providing affordable fresh produce to over 15,000 households. Featured in National Geographic's 2023 Urban Sustainability Report, her 2024 TEDx talk Growing Hope in Concrete Jungles inspired similar projects in Lagos and Mumbai. Her 2025 partnership with UNICEF expanded the initiative to schools, teaching 8,000 children hydroponic techniques. The Greenpeace Case Study highlights how her model reduces food deserts by 40% while creating green jobs. Recently awarded the 2025 Sustainia 100 Award, her open-source designs have been replicated in 37 countries.