Image: Goldman Environmental Foundation
For more than three decades, the Goldman Environment Prize has honored ordinary people who take extraordinary action to protect the planet. The award, often referred to as the “Green Oscar” or “Green Nobel,” honors grassroots environmental leaders whose campaigns have changed laws, protected ecosystems and advocated for vulnerable communities.
In 2026, the award reached a historic milestone. For the first time since its founding in 1989, all six beneficiaries were women. Their victories span six regions of the world and address some of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time, from climate litigation and endangered species conservation to indigenous rights and opposition to destructive mining projects. Together, these women have shown how local action can create global impact, inspiring a new generation of environmental leadership.
Six women who won and why the 2026 Goldman Environment Prize is a historic moment
According to the Goldman Environmental Foundation, the 2026 winners were selected from six regions of the world for their extraordinary grassroots achievements. This was the first all-female group in the award’s 37-year history.
1. Iroro Tanshi (Nigeria)
Image: Goldman Environmental Foundation
Tanshi, a conservation scientist, led efforts to protect the endangered short-tailed roundleaf bat at Mount Avi Wildlife Sanctuary in Nigeria. After identifying human-caused wildfires as the greatest threat to the species, she organized community fire brigades that successfully prevented major fires across the reserve.
Goldman Environmental stated:“She and her community fire brigades have prevented any dangerous wildfires in and around the sanctuary.”
2. Borim Kim (South Korea)
Image: Goldman Environmental Foundation
She has been an advocate in youth climate litigation. Thanks to her efforts, a groundbreaking constitutional provision was obtained, strengthening climate responsibility and putting the rights of future generations affected by climate change in the spotlight.
3. Sarah Finch (UK)
Image: Goldman Environmental Foundation
She made headlines after winning a groundbreaking court case challenging the climate impacts of approval of fossil fuel projects in the UK.Her efforts in establishing groundbreaking legal precedent earned her a Goldman Environmental Award.
4. Theonella Roca Matbob (Papua New Guinea)
Image: Goldman Environmental Foundation
It was struggling against the environmental devastation associated with mining activities in Papua New Guinea. Through its efforts, issues related to environmental pollution have received international attention.
5. Alana Akak Hurley (USA)
Image: Goldman Environmental Foundation
She is an indigenous leader who was actively involved in resistance to a mining project in Alaska, known for its salmon fisheries.Commenting on this achievement, she said:“This award belongs to all of us, who stood up against all odds.”
6. Yovelis Morales Blanco (Colombia)
Image: Goldman Environmental Foundation
Morales Blanco rose to become an influential environmental activist in Colombia due to her anti-fracking campaigns. Her actions enabled her to highlight community concerns regarding the issue of water protection and environmental health.The importance of these awards is greater than what the six laureates have accomplished. According to the Goldman Environmental Foundation, the 2026 award was a symbol of the growing importance of women in protecting the environment globally.According to the event’s press release, John Goldman, Goldman’s Vice President of the Environment, said:“This is a powerful reflection of the absolutely central role women play in the environmental community globally.”Since its inception, the Goldman Environment Prize has honored hundreds of activists from nearly 100 countries. However, the 2026 award winners stand out as the first all-female group in the award’s history. These efforts illustrate how changes in the environment do not always begin with governments or large corporations, but rather begin at the societal level, when individuals take matters into their own hands.With their efforts to save endangered species in Nigeria, prevent fossil fuel projects in Britain, and protect their lands in Alaska, the following six women are proof that grassroots efforts are still a powerful force for the environment.
