2024 Eco-Warrior Award Finalists
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For an individual, whose defensive or combative actions have defended, protected, or prevented harm to the Earth’s biodiversity, eco-systems, or natural resources.
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David Tshidzumba
David has made significant contributions to eco-justice, community empowerment, & the preservation of cultural heritage. His relentless activism to protect his community from the MMSEZ, to educate & mobilize locals, has been pivotal in safeguarding Limpopo's Vhembe region. Through strategic partnerships, David worked tirelessly to inform pax of the severe impacts – on cultural heritage, biodiversity, & climate change – from the project. He was especially vigilant during the public participation process, rigorously questioning developers' claims and scrutinizing the revised final reports, highlighting critical issues such as water security and access to the land, and also a lack of transparency and inclusion in decision-making. Courageous–at a time when eco activists are increasingly under threat–he confidently engages media to raise awareness. His contribution to the campaign is noteworthy, especially since the UNDP recently withdrew from the project – a huge win for eco-social justice.
Kumi Naidoo - Artivism
ENERGISING ‘ARTIVISM’: the nexus of art, culture and social justice
As the world creeps closer and closer to 1.5 degrees, Dr. Kumi Naidoo has dedicated his thought, time and activism to asking this question: How can activism win bigger and faster? The answer is one of the solutions to addressing the communications deficit that environmental activism faces, often relying disproportionately on science, policies, facts, and figures. These narratives ignore the heart, body, and soul. Kumi has sought to address this by bringing the worlds of arts, culture, and activism together, what he calls promoting and energizing artivism.
'Energising Artivism' is a global movement to harness the power of arts and culture to counter the polycrises that the world is in. The Inaugural Global Artivism Conference 2024, is being convened from 5-8 Sept in South Africa to surface knowledge about artivism, recognizing, supporting artivists, and inviting more creatives to artivism and to reach out to all.
Nonhle Mbuthuma - Wild Law Institute
The Amadiba Crisis Committee (ACC) leads the Xolobeni community's fight to protect their ancestral lands and natural resources from destructive mining projects. Nestled in South Africa's Wild Coast, this region is crucial for its biodiversity and cultural heritage. The ACC, formed in response to mining threats, unites local leaders, women land defenders, and activists to resist titanium extraction and seismic testing for oil and gas. Their efforts include legal battles, community mobilization, and promoting sustainable alternatives like eco-tourism and fishing cooperatives. By safeguarding sacred sites and preserving traditional knowledge, the ACC aims to ensure environmental and cultural sustainability for future generations.