Peru is the world’s largest fishmeal producer, a product exported internationally to make animal feed, fertilizers and preservatives. However, the unregulated industrial production of fishmeal polluted the air and water of Chimbote, until Maria Elena Foronda Farro and her environmental group Natura petitioned the local government to impose safety regulations and standards on the industry. Because of her activism, Foronda was sentenced on false charges of terrorism to 20 years in prison, but hasn’t let that deter her from working for environmental protection in Peru. Photo credit: Goldman Environmental Prize
