Now Open: Nominations for 2026 Champions of the Earth Award

For more than two decades, the Champions of the Earth awards have recognized trailblazers whose work has shaped environmental policy and practice around the world. The 2026 edition seeks nominations of individuals, organizations and governments driving efforts to protect and restore ocean health—an area critical to climate stability, biodiversity, food security, and sustainable economic development. 

UNEP has opened nominations for the 2026 Champions of the Earth Award – this year focusing on leaders at the forefront of caring for the ocean, an ecosystem essential to life on Earth that is increasingly under strain.

Nominations are open until 15 April 2026. Candidates may be nominated under the categories of Policy Leadership, Inspiration and Action, Entrepreneurial Vision, and Science and Innovation. Awardees will be announced in late 2026.