In a historic first, the Goldman Environmental Prize, often called the “Green Nobel,” recognized only women as its 2026 winners. Since 1990, the prize has celebrated individuals who take extraordinary steps to protect the environment.
This year’s winners include Theonila Roka Matbob (Bougainville), Yuvelis Morales Blanco (Colombia), Borim Kim (South Korea), Alannah Acaq Hurley (United States), Sarah Finch (England), and Iroro Tanshi (Nigeria). Their achievements highlight the urgent challenges we face, from climate change to wildlife conservation.
The ceremony on April 20 in San Francisco focused on the theme, “Change Starts Where You Stand.” This message resonates deeply with the winners, who each shared personal stories from their environmental battles. Acaq Hurley stressed the importance of community action, saying, “This award honors all of us who stood against greed and destruction.” Meanwhile, Kim pointed out that environmental disasters often get treated as isolated tragedies, leaving communities to endure the aftermath alone.
Matbob, who represents the Pacific, spoke passionately about the role women are playing in land stewardship worldwide. She emphasized that women are increasingly central to environmental advocacy, working to protect their lands and find sustainable livelihoods. “Women are paying attention to what impacts our connection to the land,” she noted.
Matbob’s own story is particularly compelling. She grew up near the Panguna Mine in Papua New Guinea, a site linked to violence and environmental devastation. The mine’s operations from 1972 to 1989 sparked a civil war that resulted in significant loss of life and ongoing ecological harm. According to Bougainville Copper Limited, the mine produced vast amounts of copper, gold, and silver but left a legacy of pollution and community trauma.
Her personal experiences shaped Matbob’s drive to advocate for change. After witnessing the impact of the mine on her community and losing her father during the conflict, she founded the John Roka Counselling & Learning Centre. This NGO helps communities deal with the trauma of war. Matbob has also collaborated with the Human Rights Law Centre to gather testimonies on the mine’s lasting damage, influencing reports that demand accountability.
In November 2024, mining giant Rio Tinto agreed to a landmark memorandum addressing the mine’s environmental and social repercussions. Matbob believes this recognition can spur action for long-overdue accountability. “We can’t afford to wait any longer for a solution to the mess created by previous agreements,” she stated.
According to a recent report by the UN, nearly 1 billion people live in areas affected by environmental degradation. This statistic underscores the urgency of grassroots movements like those led by this year’s Goldman winners. Their collective efforts illuminate paths to recovery and resilience in our rapidly changing world.
Matbob has a message for aspiring environmental advocates: “Defending the environment is challenging, but it’s essential. Trust your instincts, be authentic, and remember that you fight for both past and future generations.” Her story is an empowering reminder of the strength within us all to effect change.
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