The annual award recognises outstanding figures from the public and private sectors and from civil society whose actions have had a significant positive impact on the environment.
Each of the laureates, in different ways, shows how shifting the world onto a path that is low-carbon, efficient, inclusive, and socially, economically and environmentally sustainable is not only possible, but already in progress.
Paul Kagame, president of Rwanda, for outstanding leadership in fighting climate change and in national environmental action.
Leyla Acaroglu, founder of Disrupt Design, New York; Eco Innovators, Melbourne; and UnSchool, for dedication to positive change through design, innovation, communication and human connection.
Masen - the Moroccan Agency for Sustainable Energy, for its commitment to advancing solar power, making solar energy affordable and innovative approaches to green financing.
Afroz Shah, for outstanding leadership and initiative in mobilising large-scale public support to remove 3000 tonnes of litter from Versova beach in Mumbai.
Berta Cáceres, recognised posthumously for her tireless campaign for the rights of indigenous people in Honduras and the protection of their natural environment.
José Sarukhán Kermez, for a lifetime of leadership and innovation in the conservation of biodiversity in Mexico and around the world.
"All around the world, we have seen significant efforts to translate last year’s historic sustainable development agreements into action, from the ratification of the Paris Agreement on climate change and the New Urban Agenda to the intensifying of efforts to combat illegal wildlife trafficking," said head of UN Environment Erik Solheim.
"But governments know they cannot do it alone, and this year’s champions have demonstrated the vision and engagement needed at all levels to improve our stewardship of the planet, to develop it sustainably, and secure the prosperity of all of its people.”
