Nigerian environmentalist and Right Livelihood Award laureate Dr Nnimmo Bassey and five other extraordinary individuals from around the world including Berta Cáceres from Honduras, who was assassinated in 2016 due to her resistance have been named the winners of the Courageous Scientists Award for fighting for justice in the face of ecological and climate collapse.

Initiated by the Austrian architectural historian Dr Norbert Mayr, the award endowed with €5,000 per laureate, honours exceptionally courageous scientists and activists from around the globe. It will be presented for the second time today (October 13) during a celebratory gala at Vienna’s Porgy & Bess Jazz Club.

The Courageous Scientists Award for Environmental and Climate Justice has been awarded annually since 2025 and is funded by the Forum for Eco-Social Transformations (Vienna) under the leadership of Mayr. The award honors scientists and socially engaged individuals who, aware of ecological collapse, stand up for the protection of the climate and our shared environment, despite significant personal risks and political resistance.

Among the recipients is Ana Laide Soares Barbosa of Brazil, fighting alongside the movement Movimento Xingu Vivo para Sempre against exploitative mega-projects threatening the rivers, forests, and indigenous territories of the Xingu region.

Akino Miyagi of Japan was recognized for raising awareness about the environmental impact of U.S. military bases despite state persecution.

Also, Dr Malik Oedin of New Caledonia earned the award for his work protecting biological diversity and involving local communities through the organisation Gardiens Des Îles, as well as Seble Samue of
ETHIOPIA for reclaiming public space and traditional ecological practices and transforming the right to the city across Urban Ethiopia.

“The award was created out of the conviction that, in light of ecological collapse, courageous and unconditional action for nature and the environment must be supported and made visible,” Mayr said.

“People around the world defy ruthless environmental destruction, even under the most adverse conditions. Their commitment, endurance, and courage make them indispensable role models.”

A jury member and former Director of the ZAMG (now GeoSphere Austria), Dr Michael Staudinger, added, “Connecting scientific findings with local or indigenous knowledge was, alongside a considerable amount of courage decisive for selecting the laureates. Their stories show that persistent action and strong local as well as international connections can truly make a major difference.”

Reacting to the award, Bassey told The Guardian, “I see the award as a recognition of the communities that have suffered extreme pollution and yet have stayed resilient and are daily showing us what the demand for environmental justice means. I put the communities I learn from in front of this recognition. I dedicate it to them.”