Ivy Wiens, activist for Quilombola communities, passes away

Ivy Wiens, a dedicated activist and specialist in environmental management, has passed away. Wiens was a prominent figure in the struggle for the rights of Quilombola communities in the Vale do Ribeira region of Brazil.

She worked as a technical advisor for the Instituto Socioambiental (ISA) from 2009 to 2020 and continued to collaborate with the territory through various activities, most notably the annual Seed and Seedling Exchange Fair in Eldorado, São Paulo. Her work was deeply connected to the defense of the Atlantic Forest (Mata Atlântica) and the resistance against the Tijuco Alto hydroelectric project, which was ultimately rejected by Ibama in 2016 after decades of protest.

Wiens, born in Itu, São Paulo, was also a militant for the World March of Women. She was recognized by local leaders for her deep connection to the people and her energetic support for Quilombola culture and environmental preservation.