The 2020 Goldman Environmental Prize ceremony was held virtually on November 30, 2020 which recognizes six grassroots environmental activists annually from each of the world’s six continents viz. Africa, Asia, Europe, Islands & Island Nations, North America, and South & Central America. The prize is also known as the “Green Nobel Prize”.Paul Sein Twa of Myanmar won the award in Asian Continent.
- The 2020 ceremony was hosted by actress Sigourney Weaver.
Following is the list of winners of 2020 Goldman Environmental Prize:
Paul Sein Twa, Myanmar (Asia)
In December 2018 Paul Sein Twa led his people in establishing a 1.35-million-acre peace park as an approach of conservation in the Salween River basin.
- The Salween Peace Park, in the Salween River basin on Myanmar’s eastern frontier with Thailand, is an important biodiversity area that combines the ancestral lands of about 350 Indigenous communities who collectively manage the park.
Chibeze Ezekiel, Ghana (Africa)
He was recognized for his four-year grassroots campaign to stop the construction of a 700-megawatt (MW) coal power plant and adjoining shipping port to import coal in Ghana.
The coal power plant would have been Ghana’s first but his deeds wante nation’s energy future away from coal.
Kristal Ambrose, The Bahamas (North America)
She was awarded for convincing the government of The Bahamas to ban single-use plastic bags, plastic cutlery, straws, and Styrofoam containers and cups. In this regard, the nationwide ban went into effect in January 2020.
Leydy Pech, Mexico (Islands & Island Nations)
She led a coalition to stop Monsanto’s planting of genetically modified soybeans in southern Mexico. This led to Mexico’s Food and Agricultural Service revoking of Monsanto’s permit in September 2017, to grow genetically modified soybeans in seven states.
Lucie Pinson, France (Europe)
In 2017, France’s three largest banks eliminated financing for new coal projects and coal companies due to her activism, then, between 2017-2019 mega French insurers AXA and SCOR ended the insurance coverage for coal projects.
Nemonte Nenquimo, Ecuador (South & Central America)
She led an indigenous campaign and legal action that resulted in a court ruling protecting 500,000 acres of Amazonian rainforest and Waorani territory from oil extraction.
About Goldman Environmental Prize:
It is the world’s first and largest award honoring grassroots environmental activists founded by Richard N. Goldman and Rhoda H. Goldman in San Francisco.The prize provides the winner international recognition and connection with other grassroots leaders along with Financial support to pursue their vision.
- They are supported by the Goldman Environmental Foundation.
- Winners also receive a bronze sculpture called the Ouroboros. It depicts a serpent biting its tail, a symbol of nature’s power of renewal.
Recent Related News:
i.HelpAge India won the 2020 United Nations(UN) Population Award as the institutional laureate. Her MajestyGyalyum Sangay Choden Wangchuck, Queen Mother of Bhutan won the award as the individual laureatue.
ii.On November 13, 2020 17 year old Sadat Rahman from Bangladesh won the International Children’s Peace Prize 2020 for his involvement in setting up his social organization and creating mobile application ‘Cyber Teens’ to end cyberbullying.
About Goldman Environmental Foundation:
President– John D. Goldman
Headquarter– San Francisco, United States of America (USA)
