Izeldete Botelho, Brazil
From local artisan to environmental advocate
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A life rooted in sustainability
Izeldete Botelho, a 67-year-old seamstress from Uberlândia, Brazil, has
lived a life dedicated to her family and craft. Originally from Campos
Altos, Minas Gerais, she moved to Uberlândia with her husband, raising
three children and a granddaughter. For decades, she has supported her
household through sewing and crafting handmade goods using recycled
materials—turning fabric scraps into artistic, sustainable creations.
A citizen’s voice at COP26
In 2021, Izeldete was selected to participate in the Global Citizens’ Assembly
at COP26, where she gained a deeper understanding of global climate issues
and the role citizens can play in environmental preservation. The experience
transformed her perspective, reinforcing the idea that small local actions can
contribute to large-scale global change.
Gratitude is a word I carry with me after COP26. It gave me a new way to see nature, to feel more connected to it, and to participate as an active citizen.
Becoming a local climate leader
Inspired by her experience at COP26, Izeldete returned to Uberlândia with a renewed mission:
- Raising Awareness – She now actively shares what she learned,
advocating for environmental consciousness in her local community. - Sustainable Living – She continues to create eco-friendly crafts, using
fabric waste that would otherwise end up in landfills. - Building a Sustainable Community – With support from the Ipê Cultural
Institute, she initiated a zero-waste project in her condominium, aiming
to make it a model for sustainable urban living in Uberlândia.
