The United Nations has recently announced the winners of the 2024 Champions of the Earth award, the highest environmental honour given by the organization. This year’s laureates were recognized for their exceptional leadership, courageous actions, and sustainable solutions in addressing land degradation, drought, and desertification.
The award, which has been presented annually since 2005, aims to honor individuals and organizations from various sectors who are at the forefront of efforts to protect both people and the planet. With 122 laureates to date, this year’s nominations focused on finding champions who are restoring degraded land, increasing drought resilience, and preventing desertification.
According to UNEP Executive Director Inger Andersen, almost 40% of the world’s land is already degraded, and desertification is on the rise, with devastating droughts becoming more frequent. However, she also highlighted that solutions already exist, and the efforts of the 2024 Champions of the Earth serve as a reminder that the fight to protect our planet is one that can be won.
Among the winners is Sonia Guajajara, Brazil’s Minister of Indigenous Peoples, who was honored in the Policy Leadership category. Ms. Guajajara has been advocating for Indigenous rights for over two decades and has successfully secured the recognition of 10 territories as Indigenous land, protecting them from deforestation, illegal logging, and drug trafficking.
In the Inspiration and Action category, Amy Bowers Cordalis, an Indigenous rights advocate, was recognized for her work in securing a better future for the Yurok tribe and the Klamath River in the United States. Her efforts to restore the river ecosystem and promote sustainable fishing practices demonstrate how bold environmental action can bring significant positive change while upholding Indigenous Peoples’ rights and livelihoods.
Gabriel Paun, a Romanian environmental defender, was also honored in the Inspiration and Action category for his work in exposing the destruction and illegal logging of Europe’s last old-growth forest. As the founder of Agent Green, an NGO dedicated to protecting the Carpathian Mountains, Mr. Paun has faced death threats and physical attacks for his efforts to preserve the area’s unique biodiversity.
The recognition of these extraordinary individuals and organizations serves as a reminder that with the right policies, scientific breakthroughs, system reforms, and activism, we can restore our ecosystems. It also highlights the vital role of Indigenous Peoples in environmental protection and the need for their leadership and wisdom in finding sustainable solutions.
Overall, the 2024 Champions of the Earth award winners demonstrate that bold environmental action can bring about significant positive change and inspire others to join the fight to protect our planet.