Chico Mendes was a Brazilian rubber tapper and environmental activist born on December 15, 1944, in the Amazon rainforest. He dedicated his life to protecting the rainforest and advocating for the rights of indigenous people and local workers. Mendes became known for his efforts to combat deforestation and promote sustainable development in the region. Tragically, Mendes was assassinated on December 22, 1988, due to his activism against illegal logging and land exploitation. His legacy continues to inspire environmental movements worldwide, and he is remembered as a symbol of the struggle to preserve the Amazon rainforest and support the rights of indigenous peoples.