UN Environment picking Champions of the Earth for annual award

The organizers aim to recognize the contribution of leaders from government, civil society and the private sector. For their positive impact on the environment, so far 93 laureates got the award.

Nominations for the Champions of the Earth last until March 20. The United Nations Environmental Programme – UN Environment or UNEP has established the award in 2005.

This year’s contest is again for four categories: policy leadership, inspiration and action, entrepreneurial vision, science and innovation. The winners are picked for an outstanding contribution to environmental protection.

The aim is to recognize leaders from government, civil society and the private sector. Impact in the sense of environmental gains or demonstrated significant potential for replication and scaling is one of the most important factors.

The remaining criteria are novelty and how compelling and inspiring the nominee’s story is.

UNEP staff has the task to go through the register and put together a shortlist for the global jury. Laureates are selected in May and the decisions are final. They are made by officials from several agencies of the world organization and international bodies. Last year they were five. The announcement is in October and the awards are presented to the winners at a ceremony.

The UN program’s team will first study the nominees and carefully produce their profiles, which are then considered by a wider group of experts. Out of the 93 laureates so far, 22 were world leaders, 57 are individuals and there are 14 groups and organizations.

More information can be obtained from acting communications chief Daniel Cooney via email to daniel.cooney@un.org.