The UN Environment Programme announced the 2024 Champions of the Earth on December 10, recognizing six leaders, including Brazil’s Minister of Indigenous Peoples and an Egyptian initiative for sustainable agriculture. The award honors their exceptional efforts in combating land degradation, drought, and desertification. UNEP’s Executive Director highlighted the significance of these actions in addressing global environmental challenges.
On December 10, 2023, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) announced the six distinguished recipients of the 2024 Champions of the Earth award in Nairobi, Kenya. This prestigious honor recognizes individuals and initiatives for their exceptional leadership and innovative approaches to addressing critical environmental challenges, such as land degradation and desertification. The selected laureates include Brazil’s first Minister of Indigenous Peoples, an Egyptian sustainable agriculture initiative, and several influential figures advocating for environmental preservation across the globe.
Among the honored individuals is Sonia Guajajara, Brazil’s inaugural Minister of Indigenous Peoples, recognized for her policy leadership. Her advocacy for Indigenous rights has led to the designation of ten territories as Indigenous land, helping to protect these areas from deforestation and illegal exploitation. Amy Bowers Cordalis, an Indigenous rights advocate, and Gabriel Paun, a Romanian environmental defender, were awarded for their inspirational actions toward ecological restoration and biodiversity protection.
Moreover, Chinese scientist Lu Qi received accolades in the Science and Innovation category for his significant contributions to afforestation efforts in China, while renowned Indian ecologist Madhav Gadgil was honored for a lifetime of dedication to environmental research and community engagement. Finally, the SEKEM initiative in Egypt was acknowledged for pioneering sustainable agricultural practices, transforming desert areas into productive farmland and empowering local communities.
UNEP Executive Director Inger Andersen emphasized the importance of these champions in the global fight against environmental degradation, citing that nearly 40% of the world’s land is already compromised. “The good news is that solutions already exist today, and around the world, extraordinary individuals and organizations are demonstrating that it is possible to defend and heal our planet,” she remarked, underscoring the potential for successful restoration and preservation strategies.
The recognition of these remarkable leaders coincides with the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, an initiative that aims to halt and reverse ecosystem degradation worldwide, thus fostering a sustainable future for both humanity and the planet.
The Champions of the Earth award, established in 2005 by the United Nations, is the highest environmental accolade recognized globally. It honors individuals and organizations committed to innovative solutions for pressing environmental issues. This year’s nominations specifically sought out champions focused on restoring degraded lands and enhancing resilience to droughts, amid growing concerns over land degradation and desertification affecting billions worldwide. Such initiatives align with the UN’s broader goals outlined in the Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, which aims to revive ecosystems at risk across the globe, ensuring a more stable future for the environment.
The recent announcement of the 2024 Champions of the Earth underscores the essential role of leadership and innovation in addressing critical environmental challenges. Honoring individuals and initiatives committed to sustainability and ecosystem restoration illustrates a collective effort towards a healthier planet. As desertification and land degradation threaten vast populations, the recognition of these champions serves to inspire global action and reinforces the message that restoration is both possible and imperative. The UN’s commitment to ecosystem restoration affirms the necessity of collaborative efforts to combat these pressing issues and pave the way for a sustainable future.
Original Source: news.un.org
