The Goldman Environmental Foundation on Monday announced seven recipients of the 2018 Goldman Environmental Prize, the world's largest award for grassroots environmental activists.
Awarded annually to environmental heroes from each of the world's six inhabited continental regions, the Goldman Environmental Prize recognizes grassroots activists for significant achievements to protect the environment, the Business Wire reported.
"The 2018 Goldman Environmental Prize winners are remarkable in many ways," noted Susie Gelman, president of the Goldman Environmental Foundation.
"Each has moved mountains to protect the Earth and their communities. They are leaders of powerful movements for environmental protection and social change. These seven extraordinary people have overcome adversity, overwhelming odds and powerful foes. They have often risked everything to safeguard our planet and stand up for environmental justice. Their efforts remind us that just one person can inspire countless others to act on behalf of our environment."
The winners were awarded the Prize at an invitation-only ceremony at the San Francisco Opera House. A ceremony at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center in Washington DC will follow on Wednesday.
Dominated by female figures, the winners include Colombian anti-gold mining campaigner Francia Marquez, South African anti-nuclear activists Makoma Lekalakala and Liz McDaid, Vietnamese clean-energy advocate Nguy Thi Khanh, US clean-water defender LeeAnne Walters and French marine-life champion Claire Nouvian.
The one male winner is Philippine anti-lead campaigner Manny Calonzo.
The Goldman Environmental Prize was established in 1989 by late San Francisco civic leaders and philanthropists Richard and Rhoda Goldman. Prize winners are selected by an international jury from confidential nominations submitted by a worldwide network of environmental organizations and individuals.
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