Earth Innovation Institute Executive Director, Dan Nepstad, was awarded the Chico Mendes de Florestania Prize, at a ceremony in Rio Branco, Brazil yesterday.

The prize, awarded annually since 2004 by the Elias Mansour Foundation, recognizes those working to protect forest peoples, the environment and natural resources, as based on the ideals of slain Brazilian rubber tapper, turned environmental and political activist, Chico Mendes.

Prize winners are chosen in three categories (International, National and State) and each receives a bronze Brazil nut trophy, made from certified sustainable wood.

Photo:Dan Nepstad with Governor Tião Viana of Acre, Brazil