Who doesn't know it? The overwhelming feeling of being powerless as an individual and having no influence on bringing about good and important changes. However, the remarkable story of Lélia Wanick and Sebastião Salgado proves just how powerful collective small actions can be.

In 1998, the Brazilian photographer Sebastião Salgado and his wife, Lélia Wanick, returned to his hometown in Minas Gerais after a long stay in France, only to find the lush rainforest he remembered had been reduced to barren land. Rather than accepting this devastating loss, they embarked on a seemingly impossible mission: to restore the once-vibrant ecosystem.

Over the course of 18 years, they led a massive reforestation project, planting over 2.7 million trees. Their unwavering commitment transformed the arid landscape back into a thriving forest, teeming with wildlife, where nature has regained its foothold.

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This incredible achievement was recognized in 2019 with the prestigious Peace Prize of the German Book Trade.

The award honored the Salgados not only for their powerful, socially engaged photography, which captures human suffering and the beauty of our planet, but also for their ecological work through the Instituto Terra, which is dedicated to reforestation and environmental protection in Brazil.

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Renowned filmmaker Wim Wenders delivered a deeply personal laudation, highlighting the global significance of their work and the hope it brings for our planet’s future. The Peace Prize Foundation emphasized that the Salgados have made “a unique contribution to the global discussion on nature and climate, human dignity, and human rights” through their life and work.

Their story shows that individual actions can make a real difference. Whether it's planting native trees, creating green spaces, or supporting local conservation efforts, we can all contribute to the health of our environment and help restore nature’s balance.