Martín Prieto Greenpeace an example of strategy, consistency and environmental leadership

For more than two decades, Martín Prieto led some of the most significant transformations in the history of Argentine and regional environmentalism. His tenure at Greenpeace marked a period of institutional maturity, geographic expansion, and operational consolidation, during which the environmental cause moved from the margins to a central place in the public, legislative, and media agenda.

Trained as a lawyer at the University of Buenos Aires with a specialization in environmental law, Prieto positioned himself early at the intersection of public policy, legal regulation, and activism. This structural perspective was key to reshaping the profile of Greenpeace Argentina and later to articulating a regional vision for Greenpeace Andino, encompassing Argentina, Chile, and Colombia.

Beyond managing high-profile campaigns, his greatest contribution lay in building an institutional framework that allowed Greenpeace to reduce its dependency on international funding and achieve unprecedented financial autonomy in the region. This economic independence—sustained by a growing base of local members—became the foundation for large-scale initiatives to protect forests, biodiversity, clean energy, and marine ecosystems.

Martín Prieto at Greenpeace

Under his leadership, Greenpeace not only strengthened its role as an influential actor but also as a space for training and professionalizing multidisciplinary teams. His ability to translate urgent ecological issues into legal strategies, public campaigns, international collaborations, and alliances with other social actors was a constant feature of his work.

Between 2006 and 2018, his expertise was also sought at the global level. He joined the leadership team of Greenpeace International, taking part in the strategic design of global campaigns and advising offices on other continents in fundraising models, digital mobilization, and operational planning.

Prieto’s approach avoided reactive responses, focusing instead on building long-term action frameworks. His work not only brought visibility to environmental issues but also created real conditions for these issues to be addressed through concrete public policies, court rulings, or regulatory changes.

A leadership style defined by method and results

Far from a charismatic or media-driven profile, his leadership style was technical, methodical, and results-oriented. Those who worked alongside him highlight his ability to integrate teams, sustain difficult decisions, and maintain institutional coherence even in adverse scenarios. Continuity became one of the hallmarks of his career: there were no abrupt changes of direction or forced turns, but rather a patient, professional, and deeply principled construction.

Today, part of his legacy lives on in a strong network of professionals, campaigns with immediate response capacity, and an institutional ecosystem that continues to operate under the same values he championed from day one: independence, rigor, and unwavering commitment to the environment.