Diego Saldanha

Cultures of Resistance Awardee — Brazil

Diego Saldanha, a fruit vendor from Curitiba, Brazil, volunteers his time to combat pollution in the Atuba River. Disturbed by the river’s deterioration, he invented an “eco-barrier” using floating pipes and submerged mesh to collect trash. This initiative has successfully removed an average of 150 kilograms of garbage monthly, totaling 10 tons over five years. Much of the collected trash is recyclable materials that benefit local waste pickers’ cooperatives. Additionally, Diego created a “garbage museum” that displays items found in the river to highlight the issue and inspire action. His dedication exemplifies the impactful change one individual can make towards environmental preservation.

Saldanha received a Cultures of Resistance Award (CoR Award) in 2023. He is using the award to create more eco-barriers in the Atuba River.

Follow him on Facebook here to learn more about his work.

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