UNEP Honors Six Environmental Leaders as 2024 Champions of the Earth

The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) awarded the 2024 Champions of the Earth to six distinguished leaders in Nairobi, Kenya. Notable recipients included Brazil’s first Minister of Indigenous Peoples, Sonia Guajajara, and the SEKEM initiative from Egypt, both recognized for their contributions to sustainable practices and environmental restoration. The award emphasizes the ongoing battle against land degradation and drought, highlighting innovative solutions that promote ecological health.

On December 10, 2023, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) conferred the prestigious 2024 Champions of the Earth award to six distinguished environmental leaders in Nairobi, Kenya. This accolade recognizes individuals and organizations that exhibit exceptional leadership and innovative solutions to combat pressing environmental issues such as land degradation and desertification. Notable recipients included Brazil’s first Minister of Indigenous Peoples, Sonia Guajajara, and the SEKEM initiative from Egypt, pivotal in sustainable agricultural practices.

The Champions of the Earth award, first instituted in 2005, serves as the highest acknowledgment for efforts in environmental protection from various sectors including public and private organizations, civil society, and academia. This year, the nominations focused on champions engaged in restoring degraded lands and enhancing resilience against drought-induced crises. Despite the severe challenges, UNEP Executive Director, Inger Andersen, emphasized the power of existing solutions and the significant role individual and collective efforts play in environmental restoration.

The 2024 honorees included notable figures such as Amy Bowers Cordalis, an Indigenous rights advocate, and Gabriel Paun, whose organization Agent Green has fought against illegal logging in Romania. Further recognizing scientific contributions, Chinese scientist Lu Qi was also awarded for his pivotal role in combating desertification through the Great Green Wall initiative. Additionally, Madhav Gadgil, an esteemed Indian ecologist, received the Lifetime Achievement award for his extensive research and advocacy efforts.

The SEKEM initiative in Egypt was celebrated for its transformative impact on sustainable agriculture, transitioning farmers towards biodynamic practices while vast areas of desert have been converted into fruitful agricultural land. These advancements are crucial, as UNEP cites that approximately 3.2 billion people face threats from desertification, with projections suggesting that more than 75% of the global population will encounter drought related challenges by 2050.

The event coincided with Human Rights Day and was part of the 16th Session of the Conference of the Parties of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (COP16) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, emphasizing the intertwined nature of human rights and environmental stewardship.

The 2024 Champions of the Earth symbolize a beacon of hope and resilience, showcasing the contrast between the daunting environmental adversities we face and actionable solutions available today, emphasizing the importance of leadership and innovative practices in preserving our ecosystems.

The Champions of the Earth award, established in 2005 by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), stands as the highest international accolade dedicated to the protection of the environment. It recognizes extraordinary individuals and initiatives across multiple sectors that significantly contribute to ecological well-being. With over 122 laureates to date, the award shines a light on efforts aimed at combating environmental challenges such as land degradation, drought, and desertification, thus fostering awareness and motivating global participation in sustainable practices. The theme for the current year highlights the critical importance of restoring degraded lands and enhancing resilience, as nearly 40% of the world’s land is reported as degraded, threatening billions of lives with anticipated increasing instances of drought and other climate-related crises.

In summary, the 2024 Champions of the Earth award highlights the commendable efforts of individuals and organizations globally in addressing the pressing environmental issues that impact our planet and humanity. The achievements of leaders such as Sonia Guajajara, Amy Bowers Cordalis, and others exemplify the transformative impact of grassroots initiatives, scientific innovation, and policy leadership. The recognition of these champions underlines the United Nations’ commitment to fostering resilience and promoting sustainable solutions to restore and preserve our vital ecosystems for future generations.

Original Source: news.un.org