Laureates

Olga Speranskaya, Russia
Champions of the Earth Laureate, 2011 - Science and Innovation

“I believe that chemical contamination of the environment and humans is the greatest threat we are facing now. However, by promoting environmentally sound elimination of hazardous waste, switching to environmentally friendly technologies, and finding safe alternatives to toxic chemicals, we will make a real change in achieving sustainable development.”

2005 Laureates

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) named seven leaders in the field of the environment as Champions of the Earth in 2005 for “setting an example for the world to follow.”
>>Press Release

Druk Gyalpo - Dragon King - Jigme Singye Wangchuk of Bhutan and the People of Bhutan

Bhutan, a kingdom under the reign of Druk Gyalpo (Dragon King) Jigme Singye Wangchuck, has the environment as the centrepiece in its constitution.
Biography | Acceptance Speech
His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan

His Highness Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), is popularly known as 'The Man of the Arab Environment'.
Biography
President Thabo Mbeki and the People of South Africa

President Thabo Mbeki and the people of South Africa’s commitment to cultural and environmental diversity and their efforts towards achieving the goals.
Biography | Acceptance Speech
His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew

His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, known in Europe as the 'Green Patriarch,' has taken the lead among religious leaders in his concern for the environment.
Biography | Acceptance Speech
Ms. Sheila Watt-Cloutier

When she was growing up in an Inuit community in northern Quebec, Sheila Watt-Cloutier never rode anything faster than a dog sled.
Biography
Julia Carabias Lillo, former Environment Minister, Mexico

Julia Carabias Lillo coordinated a research and rural development programme in extremely impoverished peasant communities in the four regions of Mexico called the 'Integrated Use of Natural Resources' (PAIR the acronym in Spanish).
Biography | Acceptance Speech
Mr. Zhou Qiang and the All-China Youth Federation

Mr. Zhou Qiang is Honorary chairman of the All-China Youth Federations (ACYF) and the leader of the China Mother River Protection Operation leading group.
Biography | Acceptance Speech