CHAMPIONS OF THE EARTH

Five inspirational environmental leaders from the worlds of government, business, research and grassroots activism received the UN’s highest environmental accolade, the Champions of the Earth Award, at a ceremony marking the close of the Sustainable Development Goals summit in September 2015.

The annual prize is awarded to “ At the summit, we witnessed outstanding leaders from government, a historic moment. 193 nations civil society and the private sector committed to a sustainable path whose actions have had a positive forward for the entire planet and impact on the environment. its peoples through the adoption of the Sustainable Development Goals. H.E. , Prime Minister of This is a major achievement, but the , the National Geographic hard work now begins in earnest,” Society, Paul Polman, CEO of Unilever, said UNEP Executive Director the Black Mamba Anti-Poaching Unit Achim Steiner. and Brazilian cosmetics firm Natura were all recognized for their achievements. “ With 17 goals that integrate all aspects of our economies, The 2015 awards, presided over by societies and the environment, UNEP Goodwill Ambassadors, actor the challenge is formidable. Ian Somerhalder and model Gisele Each of these five Champions of Bündchen, as well as actress Nikki the Earth demonstrates that this Reed, were focused on supporting the challenge can, and I believe will be Sustainable Development Goals. met to help usher in an equitable and sustainable future for all.” Natura, for unparalleled commitment to trailblazing The awards do so by illustrating – sustainable business models. © Marlos Bakker Fotografia LTDA through the examples of the laureates For more information on the award, – that the transition to low-carbon, visit www.unep.org/champions resource-efficient, inclusive and sustainable economic models is not just possible, but already in progress.

Clockwise from bottom left: Nikki Reed, Ian Somerhalder, UNEP Deputy Executive Director Ibrahim Thiaw, Gisele H.E. Sheikh Hasina, Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Bundchen, UNEP Executive Director Achim Steiner. for leadership on the frontline of climate change. © Brashler / Fischer © UNEP

56 UNITED NATIONS ENVIRONMENT PROGRAMME National Geographic Society, for over a century of life-changing science, exploration and storytelling. © Michael Nichols

Paul Polman, CEO of Unilever, for challenging business norms to show that sustainable, The Black Mamba Anti-Poaching Unit (South ), for outstanding courage in fighting equitable and environmentally-conscious the illegal wildlife trade at community level. © UNEP business is smart business. © UNEP

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