I am currently a junior researcher at IEPA (Amapá, Brazil), working at the mouth of the Amazon River – Tropical Atlantic, on the OLAMAR project, funded by CNPq. The project seeks to understand the levels of anthropization by plastics and microplastics on the Brazilian Amazon coast.

Throughout my professional career, I have worked on coordinating strategic initiatives aimed at positive socio-environmental impact, developing reports and actions that sought to strengthen institutional networks and expand communication with society. My work has been aligned with the 2030 Agenda, with an emphasis on SDG 05, SDG 14 and SDG 17.

I have experience in plastic pollution, scientific communication, ocean culture, mobilization and engagement of different stakeholders, especially on the North and Northeast coasts of Brazil. In the Amazon, I developed solid technical and scientific knowledge through scientific and environmental education projects, which have provided me with an in-depth understanding of the cultural diversity and social dynamics of the region.

Now, I am expanding my work in the areas of Sustainability and ESG, adopting a systemic and critical approach – skills acquired throughout my academic career. I seek new personal and professional challenges and am open to opportunities that allow me to contribute to building a more sustainable future.

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The Amazonian coastal ecosystems face a significant threat from plastic contamination, posing a major risk to their biodiversity. Here, we provide the first evidence of using plastics in nest building by Yellow-cacique Cacique (Cacicus cela) and Greater Kiskadee (Pitangus sulphuratus). During 2023 and 2024, 15 nests built with ropes and fishing lines were recorded in the Brazilian Amazon Coast, a colony of 12 nests in the State of Amapá and one nest in Pará for C. cela, and one nest for P. sulphuratus was observed in Maranhão during the fieldwork, covering all Brazilian Amazon Coast. These nests were observed on the edge of mangroves, built with solid waste from fishing activities, pointing out how environmental pollution can be incorporated into wildlife this issue. Future studies should examine whether the Yellow-rumped Cacique or the Great Kiskadee uses the most synthetic or natural resources available in the ecosystem or whether they prefer plastic materials. This will help to fully understand how the presence of plastic may impact these species’ reproductive and ecology. These studies ought to consider any potential sources of plastic in the vicinity of the nesting colonies. Nonetheless, given that the composition, distribution patterns, and dangers to the avifauna are still known, it is imperative to conduct surveys and investigations over the entire Amazon Coast, considering all species along the region.