2025 Eco-Warrior Award Finalists
SPONSORED BY
For an individual, whose defensive or combative actions have defended, protected, or prevented harm to the Earth’s biodiversity, eco-systems, or natural resources.
The Biodiversity Law Centre
The Biodiversity Law Centre (BLC), in partnership with BirdLife South Africa and SANCCOB, is championing the survival of the endangered African Penguin. With extinction in the wild predicted by 2035, urgent action was needed to address the species’ steep decline caused by overfishing of sardine and anchovy near breeding colonies and harmful ship-to-ship bunkering in Algoa Bay. In March 2024, BLC launched landmark litigation to challenge a Ministerial decision on fishing closures. The case succeeded, securing biologically meaningful island closures around six key colonies and protecting vital foraging grounds. This precedent-setting outcome has given African Penguins a fighting chance of survival while safeguarding marine biodiversity. Through legal innovation and collaboration, BLC is ensuring the future of a species that is both iconic and ecologically essential.
Dr Ferrial Adam - WaterCAN
Dr Ferrial Adam is the Executive Manager of WaterCAN, a citizen science initiative that empowers South Africans to test, monitor, and protect their water. Under her leadership, WaterCAN has trained over 1,500 citizen scientists and 60 Water Warriors, and partnered with 80 schools across five provinces to instil environmental responsibility in youth. The flagship "Week of Water Testing" mobilises communities nationwide to expose pollution and drive accountability. This grassroots data has sparked national media coverage and pressured authorities into action. Rooted in Ubuntu, Dr Adam’s work promotes justice, dignity, and environmental stewardship by putting science in the hands of the people. Her mission is not just to fix broken systems—but to transform them, sustainably, from the ground up. Through practical tools, education, and collective action, she is building a nationwide movement for clean water, environmental justice, and empowered communities.
Oxpeckers
Founded in 2012 by investigative journalist Fiona Macleod, Oxpeckers is a trailblazer in using new media tools to track and expose environmental crime. At a time when data and geojournalism were still emerging, Macleod identified their potential to transform environmental reporting—and built Oxpeckers as a digital-first, hyper-local newsroom dedicated to eco-justice. Rejecting the “parachute journalism” model, Oxpeckers prioritises community-driven storytelling while leveraging cutting-edge technology to make data accessible and actionable. Under Macleod’s leadership, the team has developed global recognition for its innovative programmes, including #PowerTracker, which monitors renewable energy through an interactive mapping tool, investigative reporting, and training projects. By combining journalism, data, and transparency, Oxpeckers not only holds offenders accountable but also empowers citizens, researchers, and policymakers to engage in protecting our shared planet.