While pursuing a degree in history at the Universidade Federal do Acre in Rio Branco, in Brazil’s Acre state, Marina Silva began engaging in social and political movements in the city. She was elected as councilwoman in 1988. Uniting with political groups in the area she worked to stop deforestation and improve the lives of workers.
Forming her own political party called Rede Sustentabilidade, she became a state representative and then a senator. Marina was awarded the Goldman Environmental Prize and received international recognition.
