underwater divers./PHOTO; Courtesy
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has opened nominations for the 2026 edition of the Champions of the Earth award, the United Nations’ highest environmental honour.
This year’s awards will spotlight individuals, organisations, and governments leading efforts to protect and restore the ocean an ecosystem critical to life on Earth but increasingly under strain from pollution, climate change, and habitat degradation.
For more than two decades, the Champions of the Earth awards have recognised trailblazers whose work has shaped environmental policy and practice globally.
The 2026 edition seeks nominations from leaders advancing solutions to strengthen ocean health while supporting climate stability, biodiversity protection, food security, and sustainable economic development.
The Ocean: Essential for Life
The ocean plays a central role in maintaining the planet’s environmental balance. Covering more than 70 percent of the Earth’s surface, it regulates global climate systems and supports vast ecosystems that sustain human life.
According to UNEP, the ocean absorbs more than 90 percent of the excess heat caused by greenhouse gas emissions and takes in roughly one-third of the carbon dioxide released by human activities.
This function makes it a critical buffer against the worst impacts of climate change.
Beyond climate regulation, the ocean sustains a thriving global blue economy valued at more than US$1.5 trillion.
Millions of people rely on ocean resources for their livelihoods, particularly in coastal regions where fishing, tourism, and marine trade are key economic drivers.
However, marine ecosystems are increasingly under pressure. UNEP estimates that only about 15 percent of the world’s coastlines remain ecologically intact.
Pollution, habitat loss, sediment runoff, and untreated wastewater continue to degrade marine and coastal environments, threatening biodiversity and the communities that depend on these ecosystems.
Recognising Ocean Solutions
Against this backdrop, the 2026 Champions of the Earth awards will recognise leaders whose work contributes to restoring marine ecosystems, reducing climate risks, and supporting sustainable livelihoods connected to ocean resources.
One key focus area is pollution prevention, particularly solutions that address contamination from source to sea.
UNEP is seeking initiatives that tackle wastewater, nutrients, chemicals, and sediments entering marine environments while linking land, freshwater, and coastal management.
Another priority is ecosystem protection and restoration, especially efforts aimed at safeguarding and restoring habitats such as coral reefs, mangroves, and seagrass beds.
These ecosystems play a vital role in supporting biodiversity while also protecting coastal communities from storms and erosion.
The awards will also highlight initiatives promoting sustainable blue economies, where economic activities such as fisheries and tourism generate income while maintaining ecological balance.
A fourth focus area is science, data, and cooperation, encouraging nominations that strengthen research, expand environmental data systems, mobilise financing, and promote collaboration through regional partnerships such as Regional Seas Conventions and Action Plans.
Nomination Categories and Timeline
Nominations for the 2026 Champions of the Earth awards opened on 5 March 2026 and will close on 15 April 2026.
Individuals, organisations, and government entities can be nominated under four categories: Policy Leadership, Inspiration and Action, Entrepreneurial Vision, and Science and Innovation.
The winners are expected to be announced later in 2026.
The awards are designed to recognise individuals and groups whose work demonstrates transformative environmental leadership and tangible impact.
Previous Champions of the Earth
In 2025, UNEP recognised several individuals and organisations driving climate action through innovative and sustainable solutions.
Among the awardees were Pacific Islands Students Fighting Climate Change, a youth-led organisation advocating for stronger climate action; Supriya Sahu, Additional Chief Secretary for the Government of Tamil Nadu in India; Mariam Issoufou, a Nigerien entrepreneur; and Imazon, a Brazilian research institute focused on environmental monitoring.
Italian methane expert Manfredi Caltagirone was also recognised posthumously for his contributions to tackling methane emissions.
Since the awards were established in 2005, the Champions of the Earth programme has honoured 127 laureates whose work has influenced environmental action worldwide.
Through the awards, UNEP aims to spotlight transformative leadership and inspire greater global efforts to protect ecosystems and ensure a sustainable future, particularly for the world’s oceans, which remain essential to environmental stability and human well-being.
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