Miss Earth facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Miss Earth

Type	International women's beauty pageant
Parent organization	Carousel Productions
Headquarters	Manila, Philippines
First edition	2001
Most recent edition	2023
Current titleholder	Drita Ziri  Albania
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 all about helping the environment and encouraging people to be responsible. It's one of the "Big Four" beauty pageants, along with Miss World, Miss Universe, and Miss International.

Miss Earth works with important groups like the United Nations Environment Programme for their "Champions of the Earth" awards. These awards celebrate people who do amazing things for the environment. Miss Earth also teams up with Greenpeace to support organic farming and stop genetically-engineered food. They even work with The Climate Reality Project, led by former US Vice President Al Gore, to teach people about climate change.

The Miss Earth Foundation works with government groups and organizations like the World Wildlife Foundation. They help protect nature in many countries.

Since 2002, the pageant has mostly taken place in the Philippines. It's shown live in over 80 countries, so many people can watch.

The winners of Miss Earth spend their year working on environmental projects. They give talks, visit schools, plant trees, and help clean up places. They also share their message through media and fashion shows that promote eco-friendly ideas.

The current Miss Earth is Drita Ziri from Albania. She won the title on December 22, 2023, in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

Her special "Elemental Queens" are:

• Yllana Marie Aduana from the Philippines—Miss Earth Air
• Đỗ Thị Lan Anh from Vietnam—Miss Earth Water
• Cora Bliault from Thailand—Miss Earth Fire

How Miss Earth Started and Grew

Carousel Productions started Miss Earth in 2001. Their goal was to use the fun of a beauty pageant to help protect 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 based on how many countries participated. Later, in 2020 and 2022, it even became the second largest, showing how much it has grown.

Programs and Environmental Work

Miss Earth works closely with government groups in the Philippines, like the Department of Tourism and the Department of Environment. They also partner with international environmental groups such as the United Nations Environment Programme and Greenpeace.

The winner and her Elemental Queens 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 and environments.

In 2004, the Miss Earth Foundation was created. This group helps the pageant's environmental efforts even more. A big project they have is the "I Love Planet Earth School Tour." They visit schools to teach kids about the environment and give them learning materials.

Miss Earth also works with the "Read-Along Storytelling Program" to teach children about caring for nature. They talk about renewable energy and biodiversity. The Miss Earth Foundation also teaches people to follow the "5Rs" to help the environment: rethink, reduce, reuse, recycle, and respect.

Since 2006, Miss Earth has helped host the United Nations Environment Programme's "Champions of the Earth" awards. These awards honor leaders who make a big difference for the environment. Miss Earth also joined Greenpeace to ask for a ban on genetically-engineered food and to support sustainable agriculture.

In 2016, the Miss Earth Foundation teamed up with The Climate Reality Project. This project, led by Al Gore, helps spread awareness about 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 on protecting biodiversity. Miss Earth 2021, Destiny Wagner, was there for the signing. Miss Earth candidates also discussed global environmental issues and promised to support biodiversity.

Eco-Fashion Design Competition

Since 2008, Miss Earth has held an annual Eco-Fashion Design Competition. This event encourages designers to create clothes using eco-friendly materials. The designs are made from recyclable, natural materials, and organic materials. They can be worn every day or on a fashion runway.

Countries That Participate

Miss Earth has welcomed contestants from many countries and regions. Some of these places traditionally have different views on beauty pageants.

Countries and territories that have participated in Miss Earth (at least once), as of 2022

In 2003, Vida Samadzai from Afghanistan competed. She was the first Afghan woman in an international beauty pageant in nearly 30 years. Her participation sparked discussions in her home country about cultural traditions.

In 2005, Naomi Zaman became the first Miss Pakistan World to join Miss Earth. She was also the first person from Pakistan to compete in any major international pageant.

Miss Tibet Earth 2006, Tsering Chungtak, was the first Tibetan to represent Tibet in a major international beauty pageant. She brought attention to the Tibetan people's desire for freedom. Her participation also led to talks about modern social customs in Tibetan culture. The Dalai Lama approved of her joining the pageant.

In 2007, Miss Earth made history when contestants from China, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, and Tibet all competed together. This was a unique moment in an international pageant. Also in 2007, Ariana Barouk became the first Miss Cuba in many decades to compete at Miss Earth.

In 2008, the country of Bhutan, which is very isolated, sent its first Miss Bhutan, Tsokye Tsomo Karchun. Rwanda also sent its first Miss Rwanda, Cynthia Akazuba.

In 2009, Aheu Kidum Deng from Miss Earth South Sudan became the tallest beauty queen ever in an international pageant, standing at 196 cm (6 feet 5 inches).

In 2016, Palestine sent its first representative to a "Big Four" pageant. Natali Rantissi represented Palestine with the approval of Mahmoud Abbas, the President of Palestine. She chose to wear a traditional dress instead of a bikini during some events, and this was allowed.

Also in 2016, Susan Amer Sulaimani was Iraq's first representative in a "Big Four" pageant since 1972. She also wore a dress instead of a bikini during a press conference.

In 2017, 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 faced issues when she was removed from her title. This happened after she posted a photo with Miss Israel Dana Zerik. Lebanon and Israel have a long-standing conflict.

Papua New Guinea sent its first representative to Miss Earth in 2019, Pauline Tibola. This was their first time in a "Big Four" pageant since 1990.

In 2020, Miss Earth welcomed new countries like Bangladesh, Burkina Faso, and Syria. It was the first time for Syria to join a major international pageant in many decades.

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 modest outfit during the swimsuit competition to respect her country's culture.

In 2022, Burundi, Cabo Verde, and Senegal also sent their first representatives to Miss Earth.

Where Miss Earth Has Been Held

Vinpearl Resort of Vietnam, the first place outside the Philippines to host Miss Earth 2010

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 because the host country couldn't meet the requirements.

In 2008, the pageant was held outside Metropolitan Manila for the first time. It took place at the Clark Expo Amphitheater in Angeles City, Pampanga.

In 2009, the pageant moved outside Luzon Island for the first time. The final night was held at the Boracay Ecovillage Resort and Convention Center on the Island of Boracay.

In 2010, Miss Earth was finally held outside the Philippines for the first time. The final event took place at the Vinpearl Land Amphitheater in Nha Trang, Vietnam.

In 2011, the pageant was supposed to be in Bangkok, Thailand. But due to floods, it was moved back to Manila, Philippines.

In 2012, it was planned for Bali, Indonesia, but the organizers couldn't get everything ready in time. So, it returned to the Philippines, held in Muntinlupa.

Miss Earth 2015 was held in Europe for the first time, in Vienna, Austria.

On July 18, 2022, the Miss Earth organization announced that Miss Earth 2023 would be held in Vietnam again.

Past Host Cities and Venues

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	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	TBA	TBA	Hải Phòng		TBA

Virtual Competitions

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, it was hard for contestants to travel. So, in 2020, Miss Earth decided to crown its new winners through a Virtual event for the first time. This happened on November 29, 2020.

The competition started on September 21, 2020, and lasted for a few months. Contestants met virtually and took part in different categories. These included Earth Talk, Talent, Evening Gown, and Interview.

The contestants were divided into four groups: Asia & Oceania, Africa, Americas, and Europe. They were judged on their beauty, fitness, and knowledge about the environment.

In 2021, the pre-pageant activities and the final crowning night were also held virtually. This was the second year in a row due to the pandemic.

Who Can Compete and How They Are Judged

To compete in Miss Earth, delegates must be between 18 and 28 years old. They must also have never been married or had children.

During the first round of judging, contestants are scored on their intelligence and understanding of environmental issues. This part makes up 30% of their total score. Other judging areas include beauty, knowledge, physical fitness, poise, and attitude.

Later, the delegates compete in three main rounds: swimsuit, evening gown, and a question-and-answer session. The final question-and-answer round focuses on important environmental topics.

Titles and Finalists

The top 4 contestants in Miss Earth 2007

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. The number increased to 18 in 2018 and 20 in 2019.

Since 2004, the semi-finalists are narrowed down to eight finalists. Then, these eight are cut to a final four. From these four, the winner and runners-up are announced. By 2019, the number of finalists increased to ten.

The winner of the pageant is crowned Miss Earth. The other top three contestants are given titles named after the classical elements: Miss Fire (third place), Miss Water (second place), and Miss Air (first runner-up). Since 2010, these "elemental titles" are considered equally important and are not called "runners-up" anymore.

Recent Winners

Edition (Year)	Representing	Miss Earth	National Title	Number of Entrants
19th (2019)	Puerto Rico	Nellys Pimentel	Miss Earth Puerto Rico	85
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

Gallery of Winners

• 

  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 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

The 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) - This crown was designed by Arnel Papa from the Philippines. It was used in the very first Miss Earth pageant in 2001. Only Catharina Svensson from Denmark wore this crown.
• Swarovski Crown (2002–2008) - This was the second Miss Earth crown, also designed by Arnel Papa. It was first used in the second Miss Earth pageant.
• Flower Crown / Gem Crown (2009–2022) - In 2009, a new crown was introduced. It was designed by jewelry designer Ramona Haar. The frame was made from recycled gold and silver. It featured precious stones like black diamonds, rubies, and pearls from over 80 countries. In 2013, new smaller crowns were also made for the elemental titleholders (Miss Air, Water, and Fire). These crowns had colorful stones representing their elements.
• Long Beach Pearl Crown (2023) - This crown was designed by Mrs. Bùi Thị Mỹ Cảnh, who also designed the Miss International crown. It was first used in the 23rd edition. The crown is made of gold, pearls, and gemstones. It has 87 bright pearls, symbolizing peace and long life. The pearls and colored stones form a circle, representing the Earth's constant movement and the source of life. The yellow pearls also stand for happiness and good fortune.

More to Explore

• Beauty for a Cause
• Big Four international beauty pageants
• List of beauty pageants