Many people think that climate action is something you just do at home, by saving electricity and using less plastics. That’s not all. We need to do something bigger—each of us needs to take action to change the economic system, to do more for the collective.
In July 2020, the Goldman Environmental Foundation announced the 2020 grant recipients, 11 Goldman Prize winner organizations committed to improving our natural world through grassroots organizing, environmental education, and community empowerment. We are excited to share a summary of the results of 2020 grantmaking season, which began in July 2020 and concluded in July 2021. 2020 Goldman Prize Grant Projects Listed in alphabetical order: Bangladesh Environmental Law Association (BELA): Rizwana Hasan (Bangladesh, 2009): BELA formed a strategic alliance of community members, civil society organizations, and journalists to combat uncontrolled pollution in the Savar district near Dhaka, Bangladesh. Communities specifically identified unregulated operation of tanneries as a major source of pollution of community waterways. BELA supported the communities with the filing of legal complaints to protect Savar’s wetlands and water sources. Centro Salvadoreño de Tecnologia Apropiada (CESTA): Ricardo Navarro (El Salvador, 1995): Nearly 100 teachers completed workshops on incorporating climate change and sustainability into school curricula in El Salvador. Outside of the classroom, CESTA helped form over 20 student environmental groups to implement projects that promote climate change resiliency, including the creation of school gardens and reforestation plots. Greenmind Foundation: Malgorzata Gorska (Poland, 2010): In conjunction with more than a dozen NGOs, Greenmind Foundation officially presented a petition against the S16 superhighway project to the Polish government. The superhighway project would bisect Poland’s largest protected area and wetlands recognized as ecologically important under RAMSAR. Thanks to the ongoing campaign, Greenmind Foundation has effectively raised the profile of the project, making it a nationally recognized case. Indian Law Resource Center: Rodrigo Tot (Guatemala, 2017): In July 2021, Indian Law Resource Center completed the construction of a community water cistern and distribution system to 35 households in the Agua Caliente community. Access to clean, safe drinking water will enable the community to continue to serve as the stewards of the forests against logging and mining projects. Instituto de Buen Vivir (IBV): Evaristo Nugkuag (Peru, 1991): IBV laid important groundwork for effective community action against the ongoing proposal of mega hydroelectric projects on the Marañon River in the Peruvian Amazon. IBV directed and broadcast “Kampagkis,” a radio program that informs the Indigenous Awajun and Wampis communities about proposed projects in the area and their harmful impacts. NATURA: Maria Elena Foronda Farro (Peru, 2003): NATURA hosted in-person and virtual meetings to unite a diverse group of stakeholders and enable them to form a collaborative fisheries... Read Blog Post
