Before her murder, Berta Cáceres threw her life into a tireless grassroots struggle for the rights of marginalized and poverty-stricken indigenous peoples in her native Honduras.
Her death in early 2016, aged 44, sparked an international outcry at the unacceptable levels of violence and intimidation facing environmental activists in many countries around the world.
At just 20, Cáceres had co-founded the Civic Council of Popular Indigenous Organizations of Honduras (COPINH), an organization that advocates for the territorial rights of indigenous people in the Central American country.
She lent her considerable campaigning and networking skills to many social and environmental causes in her country, which suffers from some of the highest rates in the region of both poverty and violent crime.
Her defining struggle was against the $50 million Agua Zarca hydroelectric dam, which she said was being built without proper consultation with her indigenous Lenca community. The protests culminated in a 2013 blockade that halted construction work. International investors have since withdrawn from the project.
Community members worried that the dam would harm their livelihoods and deprive them of food, medicines and access to the river, which some of them consider sacred.
Cáceres, who won the Goldman Environmental Prize last year, had reported an increasing number of death threats before assailants broke into her home in the city of La Esperanza on 3 March and shot her to death.
According to Global Witness, 185 people across 16 countries were killed defending their land, forests and rivers against destructive industries in 2015 – the highest annual toll on record. Honduras – with at least 109 deaths between 2010 and 2015 – was the deadliest country of all.
For championing equitable and sustainable business practices for a better world
Under Paul Polman’s leadership, Unilever has developed an ambitious vision to fully decouple its growth from environmental degradation and increase its positive social impact through the Unilever Sustainable Living Plan—entirely consistent with his personal philosophy detailing the need for sustainable business models in a world of decreasing resources.
Not only does Mr. Polman set the example for other businesses, but his chairmanship of the World Business Council for Sustainable Development further takes the message across the private sector—as do his roles in the International Business Council of the World Economic Forum, the B Team, and the Board of the UN Global Compact and the Consumer Goods Forum, where he co-chairs the Sustainability Committee.
Mr. Polman has been closely involved in global discussions on action to tackle climate change and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. He served on the International Council of the Global Commission on the Economy and Climate, whose flagship report ‘New Climate Economy’ demonstrates that lasting economic growth can be achieved while reducing climate change risks. At the invitation of the UN Secretary-General, Mr. Polman also served on the High Level Panel on the Post-2015 Development Agenda.
In recognition of his contribution to responsible business, Mr. Polman has received numerous awards and recognition, including the Atlantic Council Award for Distinguished Business Leadership (2012), WWF's Duke of Edinburgh Gold Conservation Medal (2013), the Centre for Global Development’s Commitment to Development Ideas in Action Award (2013), the Rainforest Alliance Lifetime Achievement Award (2014), the UN Foundation’s Champion for Global Change Award (2014) and the Oslo Business for Peace Award (2015).
In a year when the world aims to finalize the Sustainable Development Goals and sign a new agreement on climate change, such leadership sends a vital and timely message that sustainability and profit can, and indeed should, go hand-in-hand in any forward-thinking business that wishes to thrive in the years to come.
For outstanding leadership on the frontline of climate change
HE Sheikh Hasina became Prime Minister of Bangladesh for the second time in 2009, following a period in office between 1996 and 2001, and immediately set about tackling the issue of climate change.
With a population of 140 million, Bangladesh is one of the world’s most populated countries. It is also one of the most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Cyclones, floods and droughts have long been part of the country's history but they have intensified in recent years. Her vision is to turn Bangladesh into a middle-income country by 2021 and a developed one by 2041 through implementing environmentally aware policies.
The Bangladesh Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan of 2009 made Bangladesh the first developing country to frame such a coordinated action plan. Bangladesh is also the first country to set up its own Climate Change Trust Fund supported by nearly US$300 million of domestic resources from 2009-2012.
Her government earmarks 6-7 per cent of its annual budget on climate change adaptation.
In addition, the Bangladesh Constitution was amended in 2011 to include protection of the environment and safeguarding natural resources for current and future generations. Prioritized in the constitution along with wetlands and wildlife, the forestry policies initiative by Prime Minister Hasina has provided a natural barrier from some extreme weather events and the country’s forests cover has increased by almost 10 per cent.
Notable awards she received include UNESCO’s Houphouet-Boigny Peace Prize 1998; Pearl S Buck Award 1999; FAO’s CERES Medal; Indira Gandhi Peace Award 2009; and Visionary Award by the Global South-South Development Expo-2014.
Sheikh Hasina—who overcame huge adversity when her father Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman (the country’s first president), her mother and three brothers were assassinated in 1975— sets the example for other leaders, proving that investing in the environment can achieve social and economic development. As we embark on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, such examples are to be cherished.
National Geographic is a global nonprofit membership organization driven by a passionate belief in the power of science, exploration and storytelling to change the world. For over 127 years, National Geographic has funded thousands of research, conservation and education programs around the globe, creating a community of explorers who have opened our eyes to the wonders of our living planet, taken us to new frontiers, and illuminated the plight of critical species.
National Geographic explorers like Alberto Nava and Lee Berger are uncovering astonishing clues about human evolution and migration. The National Geographic Pristine Seas project has helped governments and communities protect 850,000 square miles of critical ocean habitat. National Geographic’s Big Cats Initiative has supported more than 70 conservation projects to help save lions, cheetahs, snow leopards, and jaguars. National Geographic’s content has also sparked a global dialogue about the future of food, helping us make better choices as individuals and as a society that will soon be faced with feeding a global population of 9 billion.
National Geographic magazine was among the first to cover issues of global warming and changing climates—running articles in the magazine as early as the 1970s and 80s. This year, they are devoting a whole issue to climate change to coincide with the Paris climate talks.
Through magazines, television productions, books, expeditions, channels, mobile, and social media platforms like Snapchat, Instagram, and Nat Geo View, National Geographic reaches more than 700 million people worldwide each month and inspires them to take action. In line with the new Sustainable Development Goals, National Geographic is working to call attention to the world’s most pressing issues—particularly the ocean, wildlife, and cultural treasures.
For more information, visit www.nationalgeographic.com and find them on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Google+, YouTube, LinkedIn and Pinterest
There are some individuals so accomplished, so on the nail with their science and insight, and so omnipresent at award ceremonies that one could be forgiven for suspecting they have secretly been busy cloning themselves to carry out so much ground-breaking work. Sir Robert Watson, an eminent scientist who is highly regarded as one of the world’s leading atmospheric chemists, fits so snugly into this category that his creaking trophy cabinet is in need of reinforcement.
Sir Watson’s plaudits include the Award for Scientific Reviewing from the National Academy of Sciences in 1992; the American Association for the Advancement of Science Award for Scientific Freedom and Responsibility in 1993; the insignia of Honorary Companion of St Michael and St George from the British Government in 2003; and in 2012, a knighthood for his service to the government of the United Kingdom.
Now he adds the UNEP Champion of the Earth award to his haul, and justifiably so. Sir Watson has devoted his career to promoting the science behind ozone depletion, global warming and paleoclimatology. He played an important role in the regulation efforts of ozone depletion and global warming by aiding in the process of developing unified assessments for conventions and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.
He has served on the Board of Directors of the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment as well as the International Scientific Assessment of Stratospheric Ozone, and has testified to the U.S. Congress on numerous occasions regarding global environmental issues. He was the Chief Scientific Officer for the U.K.’s Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) from 2007. Prior to taking up his post at Defra, Bob Watson was the Chief Scientist and Senior Advisor for Sustainable Development for the World Bank. He has also held senior positions at NASA and the White House, and was a chair of the IPCC from 1997 to 2002. He is now a professor at the University of East Anglia in the UK and Monash University in Australia
As his award and career history show, Sir Watson is yet another example of a committed environmentalist who will not bend, no matter how great the storm. He faced strong criticism from the energy industry and its supporters for his scientific arguments on the need for a reduced dependence on coal and oil, but his position has not wavered. His clarity of vision and sense of purpose has helped build belief in and support for climate science to the unprecedented high levels we see today.
For unparalleled commitment to trailblazing sustainable business models
Founded in 1969, Natura is a Brazilian brand leader in cosmetics, fragrances and personal care in the direct selling model in Brazil. Created from a passion for cosmetics and relationships, Natura is present in Argentina, Chile, Colombia, France, Mexico and Peru through over 1.7 million consultants. With around 6,600 employees in Brazil and overseas, Natura focuses on developing competencies that will enhance the business in an entrepreneurial and socially responsible manner.
Furthermore, Natura dedicates special attention to its suppliers and the 33 local communities it works with in order to ensure the sustainable supply chain of ingredients. Natura prioritizes recycled and recyclable materials in its packaging, analyzing their environmental impact throughout the product's lifecycle. Through the Amazon Program, launched in 2011, Natura seeks to curb deforestation by fostering sustainable standing forest economy in the Amazon region.
By taking an eco-innovation life-cycle approach, the company experienced average annual growth of 26 per cent from 2005-2010, and doubled in size from 2007-2011. The socio-environmental benefits of selecting suppliers based on high sustainability performance were worth over $750,000 in 2012 alone. This laudable business model was recognized when Natura received Benefit Corporation sustainability certification, which highlights high standards of environmental and social stewardship.
The company has also promised to adopt new sustainability guidelines by 2020, and clearly stated its goal to promote a fairer future from the economic, social and environmental standpoints—once again leading the way and showing other businesses that integration into the new future the international community is building this year, through the finalization of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, is the only way to guarantee continued success.
Ms. Viveka Bohn has played a prominent role in multilateral negotiations, including environmental treaties such as the Convention on Biological Diversity and the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs). Her leadership has been especially evident in global efforts to ensure chemical safety, which has been increasingly recognized as a key cross-cutting issue in the pursuit of sustainable development.
She is also being recognized for her work on chemicals with the adoption of the Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management (SAICM) by the international community. This important new global policy framework will catalyse and guide efforts to achieve the Johannesburg Plan of Implementation goal of sound management of chemicals by 2020. As President of the Preparatory Committee for the Development of the Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management, she was central to this body’s evolution and was instrumental in its finalization at the International Conference on Chemicals Management (ICCM) in Dubai in February 2006.
As head of the Swedish project secretariat for the World Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg, Ms. Bohn worked tirelessly on issues related to sustainable consumption and production, and the fruits of her labour were recognized when she was elected co-chair of the Marrakech process.
Mrs. Elisea “Bebet” Gillera Gozun’s commitment to public service and her passion for the environment has given her the energy to overcome obstacles, persuade disbelievers and shape alliances.
Her leadership in World Bank projects resulted in tangible results such as the introduction of pollution charges for industrial effluents in the Philippines, the establishment of the ECOWATCH programme – an innovative public disclosure programme of environmental performance of priority industries – and the "Brown Fund"- the first tripartite funding source for local urban environmental initiatives, jointly managed by non-governmental organizations (NGOs), business and government.
Mrs. Gozun recognized that without the local communities, the private sector and local governments on board led by mayors, no national policy could succeed. She has pushed for the introduction of community-based waste recovery, recycling and reuse in the Philippines and has also worked for the establishment of materials recovery facilities and on upgrading the quality and capacity of landfills for the residual wastes. To implement the pilot schemes in environmental management, she has attracted international funding and mobilized local resources. As a result, today there is a wide network of participating communities, with dramatically improved health situations due to better solid waste management.
Her personal integrity, combined with a keen pragmatic sense for what is politically feasible to constitute a viable solution, have won her the trust of business leaders, NGOs and political decision-makers alike.
During Al Gore’s 16-year career in the U.S. Congress and his eight-year term as Vice-President, he has made protecting the environment a pillar of his public service. He led Congressional efforts to clean up toxic dumps leading to the formation of the Superfund and held the first hearing on global climate change. In conjunction with his numerous trips around the world to visit those habitats most threatened by human intervention and climate change, he worked to educate fellow members of Congress and the American public on the dangers posed by rising atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations as well political inaction in the face of a growing environmental crisis.
Mr. Gore and President William Clinton expended great efforts to protect habitat across the United States and expand terrestrial and aquatic national parks and wildlife refuges. He also helped in the negotiating and drafting of the Kyoto Protocol aimed at cutting emissions of greenhouse gases.
Since the conclusion of his public service he has continued his committed efforts on behalf of the environment. His critically-acclaimed documentary An Inconvenient Truth – based on his presentation on climate change and which he has shown more than 1,000 times across the world – has become the third-highest grossing documentary in the history of the United States. Mr. Gore continues to incorporate his passion for the environment into his professional career, where he serves as Chairman of an investment management firm whose strategy incorporates sustainability in its investment research.
Throughout his 30-year career, as a politician, author, statesman and entrepreneur, he has made, and continues to make, critical contributions to the protection of the environment.
H. E. Ms. Marina Silva has been a tireless fighter for the protection of the Amazon rainforest. Her work has championed conservation while taking into account the perspectives of people who use the resources in their daily lives. In this respect, she is a champion of the objectives of the Convention on Biological Diversity, which promotes conservation, sustainable use and equitable sharing of the benefits of biodiversity.
Ms. Silva has recognised that, in protecting the environment, building a coalition of support demands adherence to a core set of values. Her belief that the success of the fight to save life on Earth demands that principles are at the forefront of our efforts has made her a deserving recipient of the 2007 Champions of the Earth award.
As a member of Brazil’s senate, she has successfully legislated rainforest preservation, defended her people against poverty and protected their way of life. As the Brazilian Minister of the Environment since 2003, her contribution to preserving the biologically diverse, complex and rich Brazilian Amazon is remarkable, with deforestation estimated to have decreased by more than 50 per cent in the last two years – a result undoubtedly linked to a new government process implemented by her and fundamentally based on the idea of a cross-cutting approach to environmental issues in all governmental and non-governmental sectors.
