Goldman Environmental Prize 2026 Honours First All-Women Cohort of Environmental Leaders

Goldman Environmental Prize 2026 has been awarded to the six women leaders from across the world. And its marks the first all-women cohort since the  inception of the award. This award is often referred to as the ‘Green Nobel’ and the prize honors grassroots activists who are working to protect the environment and to combat climate change. This year’s winners represent the different six regions and showcase how local action can drive the global environmental change.

What is the Goldman Environmental Prize?

The Goldman Environmental Prize was established in 1989 by philanthropists the Richard and Rhoda Goldman and it is one of the world’s most prestigious awards for environmental activism.

Goldman Environmental Prize recognizes the grassroots leaders from six global regions annually.

Each of the recipient receives $200,000 and highlights their contributions to environmental protection, biodiversity conservation and climate justice.

2026 Winners: The Historic All-Women Cohort

For the first time in the history the all six winners are women and representing different parts of the world:

1. Iroro Tanshi (Nigeria) – Africa
2. Borim Kim (South Korea) – Asia
3. Sarah Finch (United Kingdom) – Europe
4. Theonila Roka Matbob (Papua New Guinea) – Islands & Island Nations
5. Alannah Acaq Hurley (United States) – North America
6. Yuvelis Morales Blanco (Colombia) – South & Central America

Their achievements showcases the diverse efforts ranging from to fighting fossil fuel projects to protecting the endangered species and ecosystems.

Key Contributions of the Winners

Fighting The Fossil Fuels and Climate Change

Several winners have focused on to the combating fossil fuel projects.

• Yuvelis Morales Blanco have successfully opposed the fracking projects in Colombia and protected the local ecosystems and communities.
• Borim Kim have led a landmark youth climate case and it resulted in a court ruling that strengthened climate accountability in South Korea.
• Sarah Finch played a key role in the legal victory requiring authorities to consider the climate impacts before approving oil extraction.

Protection To Biodiversity and Ecosystems

• Also the Iroro Tanshi has rediscovered the endangered bat species and she worked to protect their habitat from wildfires.
• Theonila Roka Matbob led efforts to hold the mining giant accountable for environmental damage.
• Alannah Acaq Hurley also helped stop a major mining project threatening in the Alaska’s ecosystems.

Why This Year is Significant

The 2026 edition stands out not only because of the all-women winners but also due to the working of their work.

These activists demonstrate the,

• The growing role of women in the environmental leadership.
• Also the power of grassroots movements.
• The importance of the legal and community-driven action.