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Ecuadorian indigenous leader Nemonte Nenquimo wins the Goldman Prize for her fight to save the Amazon rainforest from oil extraction
Posted On 30 Nov 2020
The Ecuadorian indigenous leader Nemonte Nenquimo is a member of the group of six winners of the 2020 Goldman Environmental Prize, which is awarded annually to defenders of nature and the environment.
Ecuadorian indigenous leader Nemonte Nenquimo wins the Goldman Prize for her fight to save the Amazon rainforest from oil extraction
Nenquimo was chosen for its success in protecting 180,000 hectares of Amazon rainforest from oil extraction. She and other members of the Waorani indigenous group took the Ecuadorian government to court over their plans to put their territory up for sale. His 2019 legal victory set a legal precedent for indigenous rights.
The Goldman Award is divided into six categories based on geographic area: Africa, Asia, Europe, Island Nations, North America, Central America, and South America.
The other winners are indigenous Mayan beekeeper Leydy Pech , who led a coalition to stop Monsanto’s planting of genetically modified soybeans in southern Mexico; Ghana’s Environment Minister Chibeze Ezekiel for canceling the construction of a 700 megawatt (MW) coal-fired power plant and an adjoining port to import coal; and Kristal Ambrose , for convincing the Bahamas government to ban single-use plastic sleeves, plastic cutlery, straws, polystyrene containers and cups.
In addition, Lucie Pinson , who successfully lobbied France’s three largest banks to eliminate funding for new coal projects and coal companies; and Paul Sein Twa , for establishing a peace park to preserve both the environment and the Karen culture in Burma.
The virtual award ceremony will take place this November 30, at 7:00 p.m. (Ecuador time), and will be hosted by the American actress Sigourney Weaver ( Avatar , Gorillas in the mist ). Also participating will be actor Robert Redford, activist and presenter Danni Washington and singer Lenny Kravitz. (I)
