August 10, 2009
Rumors are swirling that Brazil’s former environment minister and 1996 Goldman Prize recipient Marina Silva is being courted by her country’s Green Party in order to make it possible for her to run for president in 2010. Reuters and others are reporting that Marina Silva, 1996 Goldman Prize recipient, is considering a move from the Workers Party of President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva to the Green Party after being increasingly marginalized by the current administration’s focus on development rather than conservation. She resigned her post as environment minister in 2008 and has since served as a senator under Lula’s party.
Silva, a former rubber tapper and environmental activist, is one of the most vocal defenders of the Amazon in Brazil. A presidential run by Silva would undoubtedly include a significant focus on the environment and rainforest conservation. The Green Party of Brazil has reportedly launched a campaign asking members of Green parties internationally to write letters encouraging Silva to join them.
*UPDATE: On August 20, BBC reported that Silva has in fact left the Workers Party and will, in all likelihood, join the Greens for a presidential run.
