Miss Earth facts for kids
 |
|
| Type | International women's beauty pageant |
|---|---|
| Parent organization | Carousel Productions |
| Headquarters | Manila, Philippines |
| First edition | 2001 |
| Most recent edition | 2024 |
| Current titleholder | Jessica Lane Australia |
|
Founder
|
Lorraine Schuck |
|
President
|
Ramon Monzon |
| Language/s | English |
Miss Earth is a big international beauty pageant held every year in the Philippines. It's special because it focuses on helping the environment and encouraging people to be responsible. Miss Earth is one of the "Big Four" beauty pageants, along with Miss World, Miss Universe, and Miss International.
This pageant works with important groups like the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). They even co-host the "Champions of the Earth" awards, which celebrate environmental leaders. Miss Earth also teams up with Greenpeace to support organic farming and protect our planet. They also work with The Climate Reality Project, started by former US Vice President Al Gore, to teach people about climate change.
The Miss Earth Foundation works with environmental groups and governments around the world. Since 2002, the pageant has mostly been held in the Philippines. It is shown live in many countries.
The winners spend their year traveling and promoting environmental causes. They give talks, visit schools, plant trees, and help with cleanups. They also teach children about nature and host eco-friendly fashion shows.
The current Miss Earth is Jessica Lane from Australia. She won her title on November 9, 2024, in Parañaque, Philippines. Her special court includes:
- Miss Earth Air: Hrafnhildur Haraldsdóttir from Iceland
- Miss Earth Water: Bea Millan-Windorski from the United States
- Miss Earth Fire: Niva Antezana from Peru
Contents
How Miss Earth Started
Carousel Productions started Miss Earth in 2001. Their goal was to use a beauty pageant to spread awareness about protecting the environment. They first announced the pageant on April 3, 2001.
In October 2001, Miss Earth began using the slogan "Beauties For a Cause." The first "Beauty for a Cause" award was given out in 2003.
By 2003, Miss Earth became the third-largest international beauty pageant. It had more countries participating than Miss International. After the COVID-19 pandemic, by 2020 and 2022, Miss Earth even became the second-largest pageant. It had more countries joining than Miss Universe.
Programs and Environmental Work
Miss Earth works closely with government groups in the Philippines. These include the Philippine Department of Tourism and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. They also partner with international environmental groups like the United Nations Environment Programme and Greenpeace.
The pageant winner and her court travel to different countries. They work on projects with local environmental groups. They also take part in activities like planting trees and learning about different cultures.
In 2004, the Miss Earth Foundation was created. This foundation helps the pageant's environmental goals. It works with local and international groups focused on conservation. A big project is the "I Love Planet Earth School Tour." This tour teaches children about environmental awareness. Miss Earth also partners with the Philippine Daily Inquirer to tell stories to children. These stories teach kids about caring for the environment and using renewable energy. The Miss Earth Foundation also teaches people to follow the "5Rs": rethink, reduce, reuse, recycle, and respect.
In 2006, Miss Earth started co-hosting the United Nations Environment Programme's "Champions of the Earth" awards. These awards honor environmental leaders. Miss Earth also joined Greenpeace to ask for a ban on genetically-engineered food. They also promote organic farming.
In 2016, the Miss Earth Foundation worked with The Climate Reality Project. This project, led by Al Gore, helps people understand climate change.
In 2022, the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity (ACB) and the Miss Earth Foundation officially became partners. They signed an agreement to work together. This happened during an event called "Beauties for Biodiversity." Miss Earth 2021, Destiny Wagner, signed the agreement. After this, the Miss Earth 2022 candidates talked about global issues related to plants and animals. They also promised to support biodiversity.
Eco-Fashion Design Competition
On November 4, 2008, Miss Earth started its Eco-Fashion Design Competition. This is an annual event for designers. They create clothes using eco-friendly materials. These materials include recyclable items, natural materials, and organic materials. The designs can be for everyday wear or for fashion shows.
Countries That Participate
The Miss Earth pageant has welcomed delegates from many countries. Some of these countries traditionally do not support beauty pageants.
.png)
In 2003, Vida Samadzai from Afghanistan got a lot of attention. She was the first Afghan to compete in an international beauty pageant in almost 30 years. Her choice of outfit caused discussion in her home country. The Afghan Supreme Court said it went against their traditions.
In 2005, Naomi Zaman was the first delegate from Pakistan to compete in Miss Earth. Beauty pageants are often not supported in Pakistan.
Miss Tibet Earth 2006, Tsering Chungtak, was the first Tibetan to represent Tibet in a major international pageant. She brought attention to the Tibetan people's desire for freedom. Her participation was even approved by the Dalai Lama.
In 2007, delegates from China, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, and Tibet all competed together. This was a historic moment for an international pageant.
In 2008, Bhutan, a very private nation, sent its first Miss Bhutan, Tsokye Tsomo Karchun. Rwanda also sent its first Miss Rwanda winner, Cynthia Akazuba.
In 2009, Aheu Kidum Deng from South Sudan competed. She was 196 cm (6 feet 5 inches) tall. This made her the tallest beauty queen ever in an international pageant.
In 2016, Palestine joined Miss Earth for the first time. Natali Rantissi represented Palestine. She chose to wear a dress instead of a bikini during the swimsuit event. This was allowed by the pageant.
Also in 2016, Miss Iraq Organization sent Susan Amer Sulaimani. She was Iraq's first representative in a "Big Four" pageant since 1972. She also wore a dress instead of a bikini during the press conference.
In the 2017 pageant, Miss Rwanda Honorine Hirwa Uwase wore a gown during the swimsuit competition. This followed a long-standing tradition in Rwanda.
In 2018, Miss Lebanon Salwa Akar lost her title. This happened after she posted a photo with Miss Israel's Dana Zerik. The photo caused issues because of political tensions between Lebanon and Israel.
Papua New Guinea sent its first representative to Miss Earth in 2019. Pauline Tibola was the first from her country in a "Big Four" pageant since 1990.
In 2020, countries like Bangladesh, Burkina Faso, and Syria joined Miss Earth for the first time.
In 2021, Hami Zaker became the first Miss Earth Iran. She was the first Iranian woman to compete in a "Big Four" pageant. She wore a conservative outfit during the swimsuit competition to respect her country's culture.
At Miss Earth 2022, Burundi, Cabo Verde, and Senegal debuted.
In 2024, Algeria and the United Arab Emirates competed for the first time. This was the United Arab Emirates' first time in any major international pageant.
Host Countries and Venues
From 2001 to 2009, the Miss Earth pageant was held in the Philippines every year. In 2006, it was planned for Santiago, Chile, but it moved back to the Philippines.
In 2008, the pageant was held outside Metro Manila for the first time. It took place in Angeles City, Pampanga. Miss Earth 2009 was the first time the final was held outside Luzon, in Boracay.
In 2010, the pageant finally took place outside the Philippines. The coronation night for Miss Earth 2010 was held in Nha Trang, Vietnam.
In 2011, the pageant was supposed to be in Bangkok, Thailand. But due to floods, it moved back to Manila, Philippines.
In 2012, the pageant was planned for Bali, Indonesia. However, the organizers could not meet the requirements in time. So, it moved back to the Philippines. Miss Earth 2012 was held in Muntinlupa, Philippines.
Miss Earth 2015 was held in Europe for the first time. It took place in Vienna, Austria.
In 2022, it was announced that Miss Earth 2023 would be held in Vietnam for the second time.
Venues Over the Years
| Year | Edition | Winner | Date | Venue | Host country | Entrants | Refs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2001 | 1st |  Denmark |
October 28 | UP Theater, Quezon City, Metro Manila | Philippines | 42 | |
| 2002 | 2nd |  Bosnia and Herzegovina(Dethroned)  Kenya(Assumed) |
October 20 | Folk Arts Theater, Malate, Manila | 53 | ||
| 2003 | 3rd |  Honduras |
November 9 | UP Theater, Quezon City, Metro Manila | 57 | ||
| 2004 | 4th |  Brazil |
October 24 | 61 | |||
| 2005 | 5th |  Venezuela |
October 23 | 80 | |||
| 2006 | 6th |  Chile |
November 26 | Museum of the Filipino People, Manila | 82 | ||
| 2007 | 7th |  Canada |
November 11 | UP Theater, Quezon City, Metro Manila Vinpearl, Nha Trang, Khánh Hòa |
Philippines Vietnam |
88 | |
| 2008 | 8th |  Philippines |
November 9 | Clark Expo Amphitheater, Angeles City, Pampanga | Philippines | 85 | |
| 2009 | 9th | Brazil |
November 22 | Boracay Convention Center, Boracay, Malay, Aklan | 80 | ||
| 2010 | 10th |  India |
December 4 | Vinpearl Land Amphitheater, Nha Trang, Khánh Hòa | Vietnam | 84 | |
| 2011 | 11th |  Ecuador |
December 3 | UP Theater, Quezon City, Metro Manila | Philippines | ||
| 2012 | 12th |  Czech Republic |
November 24 | Versailles Palace, Las Piñas, Metro Manila | 80 | ||
| 2013 | 13th |  Venezuela |
December 7 | 88 | |||
| 2014 | 14th | Philippines |
November 29 | UP Theater, Quezon City, Metro Manila | 84 | ||
| 2015 | 15th | December 5 | Marx Halle, Vienna | Austria | 86 | ||
| 2016 | 16th | Ecuador |
October 29 | SM Mall of Asia Arena, Pasay, Metro Manila | Philippines | 83 | |
| 2017 | 17th | Philippines |
November 4 | 85 | |||
| 2018 | 18th |  Vietnam |
November 3 | 87 | |||
| 2019 | 19th |  Puerto Rico |
October 26 | Okada Manila, Parañaque, Metro Manila | 85 | ||
| 2020 | 20th |  United States |
November 29 | Virtual Pageant | Virtual Pageant | 82 | |
| 21st |  Belize |
November 21 | 80 | ||||
| 22nd |  South Korea |
November 29 | Okada Manila, Parañaque, Metro Manila | Philippines | 85 | ||
| 23rd |  Albania |
December 22 | Vạn Phúc City Water Music Square, Ho Chi Minh City | Vietnam | |||
| 24th |  Australia |
November 9 | Okada Manila, Parañaque, Metro Manila | Philippines | 76 |
Online Pageants During COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic made it hard for contestants to travel. So, on August 14, 2020, the Miss Earth Organization announced a new plan. They would crown their winners in a Virtual event on November 29, 2020. This was the first time in the pageant's history it was held online.
The online pageant started on September 21, 2020. It lasted for a few months. On October 12, 2020, they held a "Getting to Know You" event online. Former Miss Earth 2008 Karla Henry hosted it. The preliminary judging was streamed online on November 24, 2020.
The contestants were divided into four groups: Asia & Oceania, Africa, Americas, and Europe. They competed in different parts, like "Earth Talk," Talent, Evening Gown, and Interview. Judges looked at their beauty, fitness, and knowledge about the environment.
Because of the pandemic, the pre-pageant activities and the final crowning were also held online in 2021.
Rules and Judging
To compete in Miss Earth, delegates must be between 18 and 28 years old. They must also have never been married or had children.
In the first round of judging, called pre-judging, contestants are scored on their intelligence. Their knowledge of environmental issues counts for 30% of their total score. The rest of the score comes from their beauty, knowledge, physical form, poise, and attitude.
Then, the delegates compete in three main rounds: swimsuit, evening gown, and a question-and-answer session. The final question-and-answer round always focuses on environmental topics.
Titles and Finalists
In the early years (2001-2003), ten semi-finalists were chosen. From 2004 to 2017, sixteen semi-finalists were picked, except in 2010 when there were 14. Since 2004, these semi-finalists are narrowed down to eight finalists. Then, the top four are chosen.
By 2019, the number of finalists increased to ten. The winner is crowned Miss Earth. The other three top delegates are called "elemental titles." These are Miss Earth Air (first runner-up), Miss Earth Water (second runner-up), and Miss Earth Fire (third runner-up). Since 2010, these elemental titles are considered equally important and are not called "runner-up" anymore.
Recent Winners
| Edition (Year) |
Countries/Territories | Miss Earth | National Title | Number of Entrants |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20th (2020) |
United States |
Lindsey Coffey | Miss Earth USA | 82 |
| 21st (2021) |
Belize |
Destiny Wagner | Miss Earth Belize | 80 |
| 22nd (2022) |
South Korea |
Mina Sue Choi | Miss Korea | 85 |
| 23rd (2023) |
Albania |
Drita Ziri | Miss Earth Albania | 85 |
| 24th (2024) |
Australia |
Jessica Lane | Miss Earth Australia | 76 |
Gallery of Titleholders
-
Miss Earth 2024
Jessica Lane
Australia -
Miss Earth 2023
Drita Ziri
Albania -
Miss Earth 2022
Mina Sue Choi
South Korea -
Miss Earth 2021
Destiny Wagner
Belize -
Miss Earth 2020
Lindsey Coffey
United States -
Miss Earth 2019
Nellys Pimentel
Puerto Rico -
Miss Earth 2018
Phương Khánh Nguyễn
Vietnam -
Miss Earth 2017
Karen Ibasco
Philippines -
Miss Earth 2016
Katherine Espín
Ecuador -
Miss Earth 2015
Angelia Ong
Philippines -
Miss Earth 2014
Jamie Herrell
Philippines -
Miss Earth 2013
Alyz Henrich
Venezuela -
Miss Earth 2012
Tereza Fajksová
Czech Republic -
Miss Earth 2011
Olga Álava
Ecuador -
Miss Earth 2010
Nicole Faria
India -
Miss Earth 2008
Karla Henry
Philippines -
Miss Earth 2007
Jessica Trisko
Canada -
Miss Earth 2006
Hil Hernandez
Chile -
Miss Earth 2005
Alexandra Braun
Venezuela -
Miss Earth 2004
Priscilla Meirelles
Brazil -
Miss Earth 2001
Catharina Svensson
Denmark
_(2).jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
_(cropped).jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
_(cropped).jpg)
Crowns and Jewelry
-
(L –R) The Elemental Court of Miss Earth 2007: Miss Earth-Water (Venezuela), Miss Earth (Canada), Miss Earth-Air (India) and Miss Earth-Fire (Spain).
- The First Miss Earth Crown (2001) - A Filipino designer named Arnel Papa created this crown. Catharina Svensson from Denmark was the only Miss Earth winner to wear it.
- Swarovski Crown (2002–2008) - This was the second Miss Earth crown. It was also designed by Arnel Papa and first used in 2002.
-
Phương Khánh Nguyễn Miss Earth 2018 wearing Flower Crown/Gem Crown.
- Flower Crown / Gem Crown (2009–2022) - In 2009, Miss Earth introduced a new crown. It was designed by jewelry designer Ramona Haar. The frame was made from 100% recycled gold and silver. It had many precious stones like black diamonds, rubies, and pearls. These pearls came from over 80 countries that participated in 2009. In 2013, new smaller crowns were made for the elemental titleholders. These "elemental crowns" represented Air, Water, and Fire. They had colorful stones in different shades of gold, blue, and red.
-
Drita Ziri Miss Earth 2023 wearing Long Beach Pearl crown.
.jpg)
- Long Beach Pearl Crown (2023–Present) - This crown was first used in the 23rd edition. It was designed by Mrs. Bùi Thị Mỹ Cảnh, who also designs crowns for Miss International. The crown is made of gold, pearls, and gemstones. It has 87 bright pearls, which represent peace and long life. Six large pearls in the middle form a circle. This symbolizes the Earth's constant movement and the source of life. The yellow pearls also mean happiness and good luck. The design encourages everyone to help protect our planet.
See also
In Spanish: Miss Tierra para niños
- Beauty for a Cause
- Big Four international beauty pageants
- List of beauty pageages
