The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has launched nominations for the 2026 Champions of the Earth Award, the United Nation’s highest environmental honour, to support leaders working to protect and restore the world’s oceans. This is a global competition, open to entries from all countries. The 2026 awards is focused on the protection of the world’s oceans.
The deadline for entries is Wednesday 15th April 2026.
For more than two decades, the Champions of the Earth awards have recognised individuals and organisations whose initiatives have significantly influenced environmental policy and practice worldwide. The award highlights pioneering efforts that contribute to addressing global environmental challenges.
The 2026 edition of the award focuses on leaders working at the forefront of ocean protection, recognising that the ocean is an essential ecosystem that supports life on Earth and is increasingly facing environmental stress. The awards aim to acknowledge efforts that deliver practical solutions for restoring marine and coastal ecosystems, reducing climate-related risks, and creating sustainable livelihoods.
The key focus areas of the 2026 Champions of the Earth Award include:
o Pollution prevention by addressing pollution from source to sea such as wastewater, nutrients, chemicals, and sediments through solutions connecting land, freshwater, coasts, and the ocean;
o Ecosystem protection and restoration by strengthening ocean resilience, safeguarding and restoring coral reefs, mangroves, seagrasses, and other vital habitats while reducing climate risks for coastal communities; sustainable blue economies that support fair and sustainable livelihoods while protecting nature and promoting economic opportunities; and
o Science, data, and cooperation through expanded scientific research, data sharing, financing, and regional partnerships including Regional Seas Conventions and Action Plans to enhance collective action.
Through the 2026 Champions of the Earth awards, UNEP seeks to highlight individuals, governments, and organisations that are leading initiatives to restore ocean health and strengthen environmental resilience.
For further information, including details about how to enter the 2026 Champions of the Earth award, please visit the UNEP website.
