The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has announced the recipients of the prestigious 2024 Champions of the Earth award. These trailblazers are recognized for their leadership, innovative actions, and commitment to tackling land degradation, desertification, and drought. This year’s laureates include Indigenous leaders, environmental defenders, scientists, and sustainable agriculture advocates. They have dedicated their lives to restoring ecosystems and protecting our planet.
GLOBAL CHALLENGES: LAND DEGRADATION AND DESERTIFICATION
As the world grapples with environmental crises, nearly 40% of the land is already degraded, and desertification is accelerating. Droughts are becoming more frequent, and vulnerable ecosystems and communities are at risk. The 2024 Champions of the Earth demonstrate that solutions are possible. Extraordinary individuals and organizations worldwide are proving that land restoration is achievable.
UNEP’s 2024 Laureates: Leaders in Environmental Protection
The recipients of the 2024 Champions of the Earth award represent a diverse group of leaders making a tangible impact on environmental conservation:
- Sonia Guajajara (Brazil) –honoured in the Policy Leadership category.
As Brazil’s first Minister of Indigenous Peoples, Guajajara has been a fierce advocate for Indigenous rights. She successfully led the recognition of 13 territories as Indigenous lands, protecting them from deforestation and illegal activities. - Amy Bowers Cordalis (USA) – honoured in the Inspiration and Action category.
Cordalis, an Indigenous rights advocate, uses her legal expertise to restore the Klamath River. She promotes sustainable fishing practices. These efforts enhance the livelihoods of the Yurok tribe and preserve ecosystems. - Gabriel Paun (Romania) – – honoured in the Inspiration and Action category.
Founder of Agent Green, Paun has been instrumental in exposing illegal logging in the Carpathians, saving hectares of vital biodiversity. His courageous work has attracted threats, yet he continues to fight for Europe’s last old-growth forests. - Lu Qi (China) – honoured in the Science and Innovation category.
Qi is a key figure in China’s afforestation efforts. He has spearheaded the world’s largest afforestation project. This project contributes to the Great Green Wall, which aims to combat desertification and land degradation in China. - Madhav Gadgil (India) – Lifetime Achievement.
Gadgil is known for his groundbreaking work in the Western Ghats. He has influenced both policy and public opinion on environmental protection. This influence is through extensive research and community involvement. - SEKEM (Egypt) – honoured in the Entrepreneurial Vision category.
SEKEM has pioneered sustainable agricultural practices in Egypt, helping farmers adopt biodynamic agriculture. Its efforts have transformed vast areas of desert into thriving, sustainable agricultural land.
GLOBAL IMPACT OF DESERTIFICATION
Desertification affects an estimated 3.2 billion people worldwide, with more than three-quarters of the global population expected to face droughts by 2050. The 2024 Champions of the Earth are shining examples of how bold leadership and innovative solutions can combat these challenges.
UNEP’S #GENERATIONRESTORATION CAMPAIGN: A GLOBAL CALL TO ACTION
In line with the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration (2021–2030), UNEP’s #GenerationRestoration campaign is rallying global support to restore ecosystems and protect 30% of nature on land and sea by 2030. Countries worldwide have committed to restoring 1 billion hectares of land by 2030, with experts suggesting that 1.5 billion hectares must be restored to meet land degradation neutrality goals.