Tarcísio Zimmermann

Environmental activist and leader in the fight against destructive hydroelectric projects in the Brazilian Amazon

Origins and Activism

Tarcísio Zimmermann, born in 1975 in Santa Catarina, Brazil, became an environmental advocate after witnessing the ecological devastation caused by dams in the Amazon. He joined the World Wildlife Fund in 2000, focusing on halting the construction of dams that threaten indigenous communities and biodiversity.

Key Campaigns

Between 2005 and 2015, Zimmermann led campaigns against the São Luiz do Tapajós and Teles Pires dams, which would have displaced thousands of people and flooded vast rainforest areas. His grassroots mobilization, combined with legal challenges, delayed or halted several projects. His work exposed the human rights violations and environmental costs of large-scale infrastructure projects.

Global Influence

Zimmermann’s efforts gained international attention through documentaries like Rio + 20: The Fight for the Amazon (2012). He collaborated with Indigenous leaders such as Chief Raoni Metuktire, emphasizing the interconnectedness of Indigenous rights and environmental preservation. His advocacy inspired similar movements in Peru and Colombia.

Challenges and Honors

Despite threats and legal battles, Zimmermann continues to advocate for sustainable energy alternatives. In 2020, he received the Goldman Environmental Prize, often called the 'Green Nobel,' for his tireless work. His legacy includes protecting over 200,000 hectares of Amazon rainforest and inspiring a new generation of environmental defenders.