Harrison Ngau Laing
A Kayan tribe member and organizer in the indigenous people’s fight to save the Sarawak rainforests, he used his prize money to finance an election campaign that won him a seat in Malaysia’s parliament.
Kaisha Atakhanova
A biologist, Kaisha Atakhanova successfully challenged a government plan to import and store foreign radioactive waste in Kazakhstan.
Azzam Alwash
Giving up a comfortable living and family life in California, Azzam Alwash returned to war-torn Iraq to lead local communities in restoring the once-lush marshes that were turned to dust bowls during Saddam Hussein’s rule.
Tuenjai Deetes
Tuenjai Deetes’ sustainable agriculture and reforestation projects with northern Thailand hill tribes have become national models in resource conservation.
Ramesh Agrawal
With a small internet café as his headquarters, Ramesh Agrawal organized villagers to demand their right to information about industrial development projects and succeeded in shutting down one of the largest proposed coal mines in Chhattisgarh.
Yosepha Alomang
Mama Yosepha Alomang organized resistance to the world’s largest gold mining operation. Despite inhumane confinement and torture, she continued to promote traditional cultures, collective action and the well-being of indigenous peoples.
Pisit Charnsnoh
Pisit Charnsnoh’s work has led to the restoration and protection of the mangroves and improved yields for local fishers. As a result, the Thai government has allowed local sustainable management of environmental resources.