Chico Mendes, a Brazilian rubber tapper, union leader, and environmental activist, dedicated his life to protecting the Amazon rainforest and defending the rights of traditional forest communities. Born in 1944 in the state of Acre, Mendes grew up witnessing the struggles of rubber tappers who depended on the forest for their livelihoods. As deforestation intensified due to the expansion of cattle ranching and land speculation, he emerged as a key figure in the resistance, advocating for the establishment of “extractive reserves”—sustainably managed areas that would allow local communities to use forest resources without destroying the ecosystem. His activism extended beyond environmental concerns, encompassing labor rights, indigenous land protections, and social justice. Mendes and his supporters employed peaceful tactics known as “empate,” physically placing themselves in front of logging and land-clearing machinery to prevent forest destruction. Despite international recognition for his work, he faced growing threats from powerful landowners and ranchers who viewed him as an obstacle to their interests. On December 22, 1988, Mendes was assassinated by a rancher, becoming a martyr for the environmental movement. His tragic death sparked global outrage, leading to increased efforts to protect the Amazon and the formalization of extractive reserves in Brazil. His legacy lives on through the Chico Mendes Institute for Biodiversity Conservation (ICMBio) and the countless environmental activists inspired by his courage. Today, as deforestation and climate change continue to threaten the Amazon, Mendes’s vision for sustainable development and environmental justice remains more relevant than ever.