Movimento dos Pescadores e Pescadoras Artesanais do Brasil (MPP) is the largest fisherfolks movement in Brazil. Brazil is one of the world’s most productive fishing nations, in which artisanal fishing has been a rich source of healthy food and nutrition for Brazilian society. Their livelihood and ancestral practices, however, are under threat from Brazil’s increasing focus on industrialization and mega development projects as fuel for economic growth.

MPP was formed with the hope to amplify the voices of fisherfolk members and turn the public’s attention to their fight against water and land contamination, and human rights violations committed against displaced communities. MPP aims to promote policies and laws for fisherfolk communities. MPP’s activities are focused on base-building, strategizing and organizing with women and youth, and facilitating learning exchanges to share fisherfolks’ realities.

MPP has played an important role in advocating at the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) to approve the “Voluntary Guidelines for Securing Sustainable Small-scale Fisheries in the context of Food Security and Poverty Eradication” in 2014. MPP members are continuing to resist development projects such as the hydroelectric dam projects in Minas Gerais, which have damaged the rivers’ habitat for fish life and caused several environmental disasters.