Goldman Environmental Prize Blog

A lifelong environmental educator and scientist, Semia Gharbi is the 2025 Goldman Environmental Prize winner for Africa. In our discussion, Semia digs into her work as an environmental advocate in Tunisia, starting with her Goldman Prize-winning campaign to reverse the illegal import of waste into her country. Semia also discusses her collaborative work to build…

2025 Goldman Prize winner Carlos Mallo Molina is the CEO and founder of Innoceana, a nonprofit organization active in both the Canary Islands and Costa Rica that bridges science, education, and technology to protect the ocean.  In this Q&A, Carlos shares key tactics used in his successful campaign to prevent the construction of the Fonsalía…

We’re excited to share a Q&A with Olsi Nika, 2025 Goldman Environmental Prize winner for Europe. Based in Tirana, Albania, Olsi is the executive director of EcoAlbania, an NGO working to protect Albania’s natural ecosystems and wildlife through the friendly coexistence of humans and nature.  Olsi and his colleague Besjana Guri won the 2025 Goldman…

The Goldman Environmental Prize just completed a wonderful week of celebration and community. Throughout the week, the 2025 Prize winners met with numerous NGOs and colleagues in the San Francisco Bay Area, sharing stories of environmental impact and building networks for their ongoing work. Plus, they explored Bay Area sites—like Muir Woods and Golden Gate Park—engaged…

It’s Earth Month at the Goldman Environmental Prize!  As we count down to Earth Day and the 2025 Goldman Prize winner announcement, we are excited to share three opportunities to connect with our global community of environmental movers and shakers. We have so much to learn from these phenomenal leaders, who show us how to…

Brazil’s ongoing fight against deforestation wouldn’t be possible, let alone successful, without the dedication and ingenuity of environmental activist and elected official Marina Silva (Brazil, 1996). Currently serving as Brazil’s Minister of the Environment and Climate Change for her second term, Marina plays a critical role in the global effort to reverse climate change.   It’s…

The Goldman Environmental Prize is excited to share that the 2025 Prize winners will be announced on Monday, April 21.  The Doing Makes the Difference  For more than 35 years, we’ve celebrated grassroots heroes who prove that when ordinary people take action, they have the power to turn apathy into positive change for the environment. …

As we start a new year, we’re inspired by Goldman Environmental Prize winners’ commitment to positive action. For more than 35 years, these grassroots heroes have proven that when ordinary people take action, they have the power to turn apathy into progress for the environment. No matter the odds, these individuals know that rolling up…

Last month, staff from the Goldman Prize attended the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity, or “COP16.” Hosted in Cali, Colombia, October 21 through November 1, the conference gathered various stakeholders together to advance the Global Biodiversity Framework and take stock of international progress thus far. Goldman Prize Winners Representing the Grassroots While on the…

“Average people and the average community can change the world. You can do it just based on common sense, determination, persistence and patience.” —Lois Gibbs The current environmental issues plaguing our world can seem countless and overwhelming—daily headlines underscore the effects of pollution, climate change, deforestation, and other ecological challenges. In the United States, these…