Maria Elena Foronda

Peruvian environmentalist who transformed fishmeal industry practices

Maria Elena Foronda, known as 'La Dama de la Anchoveta', radically reformed Peru's $1.6 billion fishmeal industry through her EcoPesca initiative. Her 20-year campaign reduced industrial pollution in Chimbote Bay by 78% while increasing worker incomes by 40%.

Her circular economy model converts fish waste into organic fertilizers and bioplastics, creating 12,000 green jobs. The system processes 650 metric tons of byproducts daily through 34 community-run biofactories.

Foronda's "Blue Certification" program now influences 83% of South American fisheries. Her labor-rights initiatives established the first women-led fishing cooperatives in Peru, challenging 150 years of male-dominated industry practices.