Nigeria has secured global recognition in environmental leadership as Iroro Tanshi has been named Africa’s winner of the 2026 Goldman Environmental Prize, widely regarded as the world’s highest honour for grassroots environmental activism.
The announcement was made on April 20 by the Goldman Environmental Foundation in San Francisco, United States, where six women from across the world were honoured for their extraordinary contributions to environmental protection. This year marks the first time in the Prize’s history that all recipients are women.
A Nigerian Story of Conservation and Community Action
Tanshi’s recognition places Nigeria at the forefront of global conservation efforts, following her groundbreaking work in Cross River State.
After rediscovering the endangered short-tailed roundleaf bat—previously thought to be extinct in Nigeria—Tanshi identified wildfires caused by human activity as the biggest threat to the species’ survival. In response, she launched a community-driven wildfire prevention initiative around the Afi Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary.
Between early 2022 and May 2025, Tanshi and her team of local fire brigades successfully prevented major wildfires in the area, responding to more than 70 fire outbreaks and protecting thousands of hectares of forest. The initiative has not only safeguarded a fragile ecosystem but also protected the livelihoods of surrounding communities.
Her approach—combining scientific research with grassroots mobilisation—has been hailed as a model for climate resilience and biodiversity conservation across Africa.
Global Recognition for Grassroots Impact
The Goldman Environmental Prize, established in 1989 by philanthropists Richard and Rhoda Goldman, recognises environmental activists from six regions: Africa, Asia, Europe, Islands and Island Nations, North America, and South & Central America.
Often referred to as the “Green Nobel Prize,” it honours individuals who demonstrate exceptional leadership in protecting the environment at the community level.
Speaking on this year’s winners, John Goldman, Vice President of the Goldman Environmental Foundation, said the awardees represent “courage, hard work, and hope” in addressing global environmental challenges.
Women Leading the Climate Fight
The 2026 cohort highlights the growing role of women in environmental leadership globally. From climate litigation victories in South Korea to anti-fracking campaigns in Colombia, the winners reflect the increasing influence of women in driving climate action and protecting ecosystems.
For Nigeria, Tanshi’s win underscores the importance of locally driven solutions in tackling environmental challenges such as deforestation, biodiversity loss, and climate-induced disasters.
A Global Stage for a Local Solution
Tanshi will be honoured alongside other winners at an official ceremony in San Francisco during Earth Week, with the event streamed globally.
Her recognition is expected to shine a spotlight on Nigeria’s conservation efforts and inspire greater investment in community-led environmental initiatives.
As climate challenges continue to intensify, Tanshi’s work demonstrates that impactful solutions can emerge from local communities—offering a powerful reminder that Africa is not just a region affected by climate change, but one actively shaping solutions for the world
