The 2024 Champions of the Earth, the United Nations’ highest environmental honor, were awarded to six extraordinary individuals and organizations for their outstanding leadership, courageous actions, and sustainable solutions to combat land degradation, drought, and desertification. This prestigious accolade recognizes trailblazers from various sectors who are at the forefront of efforts to protect both people and the planet. Since its inception in 2005, the award has celebrated 122 laureates. This year’s focus was on champions restoring degraded land, increasing drought resilience, and preventing desertification.
Summary/Static | Details |
Why in the news? | UN Champions of the Earth Award 2024 |
Award Overviews | UN Highest Environmental Award |
Category and Laureate | Contributions |
Policy Leadership: Sonia Guajajara (Brazil) | Indigenous rights advocacy, recognized 10 Indigenous territories, combats deforestation. |
Inspiration and Action: Amy Bowers Cordalis (United States) | River ecosystem restoration, sustainable fishing, Yurok tribe advocacy. |
Inspiration and Action: Gabriel Paun (Romania) | Protecting Carpathian biodiversity, exposing illegal logging, facing threats for activism. |
Science and Innovation: Lu Qi (China) | Reversed desertification, led afforestation projects, established research networks. |
Lifetime Achievement: Madhav Gadgil (India) | Influenced environmental policies, engaged grassroots, Western Ghats conservation. |
Entrepreneurial Vision: SEKEM Initiative (Egypt) | Promotes sustainable farming, afforestation, reforestation, and desert transformation. |
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