This article tells the tale of Gloría Gaia” a Brazilian forest farmer who helped to motivate a long-term research project in the Brazilian Amazon. This project culminated in an illustrated book that integrates scientific findings with local knowledge to help empower forest-dwellers to negotiate with outsiders seeking access to their land and resources. Entitled Frutíferas e Plantas úteis na Vida Amazônica (Useful Fruits and Plants in Amazonian Life)” and edited by Patricia Shanley and Gabriel Medina” the book has become an acclaimed learning resource in Brazil. Gloría Gaia has won the first “Practitioner’s Award” of the journal Ecology and Society. FAO” in partnership with CIFOR and People and Plants International” will publish an English version of the book.

Read “Science for the Poor: How One Woman Challenged Researchers” Ranchers” and Loggers in Amazonia” here.