Forest Hero Award facts for kids
The United Nations Forest Hero Award is a special prize. It was started in 2011 during the International Year of Forests. This award celebrates people who work hard to protect forests around the world.
Each year, one person from five different regions gets an award. These regions are Africa, Asia and the Pacific, Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean, and North America. The award helps everyone learn about the amazing work these heroes do for our planet.
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What is the UN Forest Hero Award?
The United Nations created the Forest Hero Award to honor individuals. These are people who have dedicated their lives to keeping forests safe. Forests are super important for our planet. They help us breathe, provide homes for animals, and fight climate change.
Why are Forest Heroes important?
Forest heroes are important because they protect these vital natural spaces. They often work in difficult conditions. Their efforts help save trees, plants, and animals. They also teach others about why forests matter. The award shines a light on their brave and important work.
Who are the Forest Heroes?
The Forest Hero Award recognizes people from all walks of life. They might be scientists, community leaders, or young activists. What they all have in common is a deep love for forests. They also share a strong commitment to protecting them for the future.
Forest Heroes of 2011
The first winners of the Forest Hero Award were announced in 2012. This happened at a big meeting called the United Nations Forum on Forests in New York. The winners were chosen from 90 people nominated from 41 countries.
Here are the heroes from 2011:
- Africa: Paul Nzegha Mzeka from Cameroon
- Asia and the Pacific: Shigeatsu Hatakeyama from Japan
- Europe: Anatoly Lebedev from Russia
- Latin America and the Caribbean: Paulo Adario from Brazil
- North America: Rhiannon Tomtishen and Madison Vorva from the USA. They won for their successful effort to remove palm oil from Girl Scout Cookies. This helped protect rainforests where palm oil is grown.
A special award also honored a couple who had passed away. They were José Claudio Ribeiro and Maria do Espírito Santo from Brazil. They were recognized for their brave work.
Forest Heroes of 2012
The winners for the 2012 Forest Hero Award were:
- Africa: Rose Mukankomeje from Rwanda
- Asia and the Pacific: Preecha Siri from Thailand
- Europe: Hayrettin Karaca from Turkey
- Latin America and the Caribbean: Almir Narayamoga Surui from Brazil
- North America: Ariel Lugo from Puerto Rico
See also
In Spanish: Premio Héroe del Bosque para niños
- Champions of the Earth
- Heroes of the Environment
- List of environmental awards
