The Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation announced on Wednesday the recipients of the Gulbenkian Humanity Prize for their “outstanding leadership in restoring and protecting vital ecosystems and indigenous lands for local communities.”

Thus, the foundation recognized Bandi “Apai Janggut”, the symbolic leader of the Dayak Iban community (Indonesia), Cecile Bibian Njebet, activist and agronomist (Cameroon), and Lelia Vanik Salgado, ecologist, designer and stage designer (Brazil). . . . All three received a one million euro award this afternoon to enable them to continue their work at a gala held at the foundation’s headquarters in Lisbon.

An independent jury chaired by former German Chancellor Angela Merkel selected the three from 143 entries from 55 countries. The decision was made by experts in Earth system science, climate action, environmental protection and climate justice from the scientific, technological, political and cultural fields.

Specifically, the foundation singled out these three nominations “in recognition of the leadership of women and indigenous peoples in the fight against climate change and the critical importance of community involvement in ecosystem restoration efforts.”

It should be remembered that the Gulbenkian Prize for Humanity recognizes outstanding contributions to the fight against climate change and climate solutions that inspire hope and opportunity. It has been awarded for the fourth year in a row.

Greta Thunberg is the 2020 winner; in 2021 it was awarded by the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy; and in 2022, the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).

“Ecosystems support all life on Earth. The health of our planet and people depends on them, and healthy ecosystems will help us fight climate change,” said Angela Merkel, President of the Jury.