March 26, 2013
In honor of last week’s World Water Day, we are taking a look back at a handful of Goldman Prize recipients who are working to protect one of our most precious resources: water.
Ikal Angelei won the Goldman Prize in 2012 for her efforts to save Lake Turkana from the devastating impacts of the Gibe III dam project. Lake Turkana is the world’s largest desert lake and the main source of livelihood for thousands of rural Kenyans.
Prigi Arisandi was awarded the Goldman Prize in 2011 for his efforts to clean up and protect Indonesia’s Surabaya River from industrial pollutants. Today, thanks to his efforts, parts of the river have been restored to full health.
Maria Gunnoe won the Prize in 2009 for her advocacy against mountaintop removal coal mining in Appalachia. Mountaintop removal mining projects near Gunnoe’s community have polluted the groundwater so badly that she and her family must use bottled water for cooking and drinking.
