The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) has announced the recipients of the prestigious 2024 Champions of the Earth awards, celebrating six bold leaders for their outstanding contributions to combating land degradation, drought, and desertification.
The winners include a minister for Indigenous Peoples, an environmental defender, a sustainable agriculture initiative, an advocate for Indigenous rights, a scientist specializing in afforestation, and an ecologist pioneering new methods of ecosystem restoration.
The Champions of the Earth award, UNEP’s highest environmental accolade, has recognized 122 laureates since its inception in 2005 for exemplary leadership in protecting the planet.
“Almost 40 per cent of the world’s land is already degraded, desertification is on the rise, and devastating droughts are becoming more frequent. The good news is that solutions already exist, and around the world, extraordinary individuals and organizations are proving that it is possible to defend and heal our planet,” said Inger Andersen, Executive Director of UNEP.
She added, “The efforts of the 2024 Champions of the Earth stand as a powerful reminder that with the right policies, scientific breakthroughs, systemic reforms, activism, and the wisdom of Indigenous Peoples, we can restore ecosystems and secure a sustainable future for all.”
The UNEP 2024 Champions of the Earth award celebrates six remarkable individuals and organizations for their groundbreaking contributions to environmental protection and restoration.
Among the laureates is Joaquim Chissano of Mozambique, honored for his leadership in conservation efforts and sustainable land management, which has significantly advanced biodiversity preservation in Africa.
Sonia Guajajara, Brazil’s Minister of Indigenous Peoples, was recognized for her tireless advocacy of Indigenous rights and the protection of vital ecosystems within the Amazon rainforest. Her work highlights the critical role Indigenous communities play in combating deforestation and climate change.
In Spain, Araceli García del Campo received acclaim for her scientific innovations in afforestation and efforts to combat desertification. Her research has provided sustainable solutions to land degradation in arid regions, demonstrating the potential of science in addressing environmental crises.
Rosamund Adoo-Kissi-Debrah from the United Kingdom was awarded for raising awareness about the detrimental effects of air pollution on public health. Her activism has spurred policy changes and greater global recognition of air quality as a critical environmental and health issue.
Dr. Lee Kuan Yu of Singapore was celebrated for pioneering sustainable agriculture and urban greening initiatives. His work has enhanced food security and biodiversity in urban settings, offering a model for sustainable living in densely populated areas.
Finally, the Greening Ghana Initiative was commended for its community-driven approach to restoring degraded lands. This program has mobilized local communities to undertake massive tree-planting projects, reviving ecosystems and supporting livelihoods across Ghana.
These winners embody the innovative and courageous spirit needed to address the world’s most pressing environmental challenges.
