2025 Goldman Prize Winners: Grassroots Activists Fearlessly Battling Corruption and Corporate Power

Grassroots activists are making waves around the globe, fighting against environmental injustices and winning significant battles. This year’s Goldman Environmental Prize honors these heroes, showcasing their dedication and courage.

One standout recipient is Semia Gharbi from Tunisia. At 57, she’s made a huge impact by tackling a major waste trafficking scandal. An Italian company shipped tons of household garbage to Tunisia instead of the recyclable plastic they promised. Gharbi rallied the community, pushed for accountability, and even helped return 6,000 tons of waste back to Italy. Her efforts resulted in stricter EU regulations on international waste shipping.

In the Canary Islands, Carlos Mallo Molina led a campaign against a proposed ferry terminal on Tenerife. This project threatened Spain’s most important marine reserve. After years of advocacy, community workshops, and even a children’s book about sea turtles, their efforts paid off. The government canceled the construction, preserving this vital habitat.

“This has been a tough year for many, but these environmental leaders offer hope,” said Jennifer Goldman Wallis from the Goldman Environmental Foundation. Their achievements remind us that dedicated individuals can make a difference.

The Goldman Prize recognizes environmental defenders from around the globe, celebrating their successful campaigns despite numerous obstacles. Over its 36-year history, the prize has honored 233 winners from 98 nations, many of whom have gone on to influential roles in government and nonprofits.

However, the journey is often perilous. Between 2012 and 2023, over 2,100 land and environmental defenders lost their lives globally, according to Global Witness. Latin America remains particularly dangerous, but threats to activists are rising in Asia, the US, and Europe as well.

In the US, Laurene Allen fought tirelessly to close a hazardous plastics plant in New Hampshire. After two decades of leaking harmful chemicals, her advocacy led to the establishment of the first federal drinking water standard for these pollutants.

Across the ocean, Besjana Guri and Olsi Nika in Albania celebrated a landmark victory. Their decade-long fight saved the Vjosa River from a hydroelectric dam and earned it the title of a national park, protecting it as one of the last undammed rivers in Europe.

In Peru, Mari Luz Canaquiri Murayari led Indigenous women in securing legal personhood for the Marañón River, protecting it from pollution and oil spills. The court upheld the rights of the river, acknowledging the Kukama people as its stewards.

Finally, Batmunkh Luvsandash, an 81-year-old from Mongolia, has devoted his life to anti-mining efforts, protecting 200,000 acres of the East Gobi desert from exploitation.

These stories remind us of the power of community activism. People like Gharbi, Molina, Allen, Guri, Nika, Murayari, and Luvsandash show that when communities unite, they can confront corporate greed and bureaucratic inefficiency. Each victory is a testament to their relentless spirit and love for the earth, inspiring future generations to take action.

For more insights on environmental activism, you can check Global Witness’s annual report, which details the challenges faced by land and environmental defenders worldwide.

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