Goldman Environmental Prize
The Goldman Environmental Prize was established in 1989 by philanthropists Richard and Rhoda Goldman, with the first awards presented in 1990. It honors grassroots activists who have made significant contributions to environmental protection, selecting one laureate annually from each of six geographic regions: Africa, Asia, Europe, Islands and Island Nations, North America, and South and Central America. Recipients are chosen by an international jury based on confidential nominations from a global network of environmental organizations and experts. Laureates receive a cash prize of USD 125,000 and participate in a ten-day tour of San Francisco and Washington, D.C., culminating in award ceremonies. The ceremonies feature short documentary films narrated by Robert Redford through 2020 and by Sigourney Weaver since 2021. Often referred to in the media as the “Green Nobel,” the prize ceremonies were held online during the COVID-19 pandemic from 2020 to 2022 and resumed live presentations in 2023.
217
Laureates
1990
First awarded
Late April each year
Announcement
Goldman Environmental Foundation
Presented by
Awards by year
Awarded annually to grassroots environmental activists
History
In 1989, Richard and Rhoda Goldman established the Goldman Environmental Prize in San Francisco, USA. The first awards were presented in 1990, and the prize has been awarded annually ever since. It uniquely honors grassroots environmental activists, selecting one recipient from each of six global regions. Laureates receive a cash prize of USD 125,000 and are invited to a tour and award ceremonies in San Francisco and Washington, D.C. The ceremonies feature short documentary films and have earned the nickname “Green Nobel.” In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, ceremonies were held online from 2020 to 2022, with live events resuming in 2023.
2025
Tunisia
Mongolia
Albania
Spain
United States of America
Peru
2024
South Africa
India
Spain
Australia
United States of America
Brazil
2023
Zambia
Turkey
Finland
Indonesia
United States of America
Brazil
2022
Nigeria
Thailand
Netherlands
Australia
United States of America
2021
Malawi
Viet Nam
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Japan
United States of America
2020
Ghana
Bahamas
Mexico
France
Ecuador
2019
Mongolia
Liberia
Chile
Cook Islands
United States of America
2018
Philippines
Colombia
Viet Nam
United States of America
South Africa
2017
2016
2015
2014
2013
2012
2011
Russian Federation
Germany
Indonesia
United States of America
El Salvador
2010
Cambodia
Poland
Cuba
United States of America
Costa Rica
2009
Gabon
Bangladesh
Russian Federation
Indonesia
Suriname
2008
Mexico
Puerto Rico
Mozambique
Russian Federation
Belgium
2007
Canada
Zambia
Mongolia
Peru
Ireland
Iceland
2006
Brazil
Papua New Guinea
Ukraine
United States of America
China
2005
Kazakhstan
Congo, Democratic Republic of the
Mexico
Romania
Haiti
Honduras
2004
Ghana
India
Timor-Leste
Colombia
Georgia
United States of America
2003
Spain
United States of America
Australia
Peru
Philippines
Nigeria
2002
Thailand
United States of America
Somalia
United States of America
Guyana
Poland
Puerto Rico
2001
United States of America
Indonesia
Greece
Bolivia (Plurinational State of)
Rwanda
New Caledonia
2000
Uzbekistan
Paraguay
Russian Federation
Mexico
Liberia
Madagascar
1999
Australia
Slovakia
Canada
Cameroon
Honduras
Myanmar
1998
Italy
United States of America
Colombia
Dominica
South Africa
Japan
1997
Zambia
Indonesia
Russian Federation
Chile
Samoa
United States of America
1996
Uganda
Mexico
India
Brazil
Bulgaria
1995
United States of America
Korea (the Republic of)
Palau
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
El Salvador
Nigeria
1994
Canada
Thailand
Egypt
Ecuador
Germany
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
1993
Namibia
Colombia
China
Australia
United States of America
Russian Federation
1992
Iceland
Côte d'Ivoire
France
Canada
India
Brazil
1991
Japan
United States of America
Kenya
Peru
Sweden
New Zealand
1990
Australia
United States of America
Belize
Malaysia
Hungary
Kenya