Five years ago, WWF began honoring young people in the United States who’ve made outstanding contributions to conservation with our Conservation Leadership Award. These remarkable individuals made strides in protecting biodiversity, mitigating and adapting to the climate crisis, fighting for environmental justice, and preventing food loss and waste, among other critical issues. Winners receive $5,000 to further their academic or professional development related to conservation.
Our most recent winner, Charitie Ropati, a Yup’ik and Samoan Indigenous scientist, scholar, climate activist, and advocate for education equality, centers the voices of Indigenous people and youth in her work.
To mark the fifth anniversary of the award, we checked in on previous recipients about what they’ve been up to since they won.
Unsurprisingly, they continue to push the needle in impressive ways. Explore their recent accomplishments below.
