Involving national leaders, politicians, diplomats and civil society leaders in the search for solutions is the aim of the “Greenmeeting of the Americas”, which has its fifth edition Sep 20-22 in Belo Horizonte, capital of the southern Brazilian state of Minas Gerais. Former president of Brazil Jose Sarney (1985-1990), who created the Brazilian Institute of Environment during his term in office, and the secretary-general of the Organization of the Amazon Cooperation Treaty and former vice-president of Ecuador Rosalía Arteaga, will receive the Green Prize, alongside other stand-out individuals and institutions that have contributed to sustainable development.

Greenmeeting has the support of the Organization of American States, governments and international bodies. Its goal is to democratize the debate on socio-environmental matters, promote sustainable environmental management and creative solutions, says Ademar Soares, general coordinator of the event.