In a time of escalating environmental challenges, the Eco Inspiration Award, created in 2024, honors women whose dedication to nature is both transformative and deeply inspiring. Presented each November, the award celebrates women who protect biodiversity, defend ecological knowledge, and stand at the front lines of environmental justice—often without formal recognition.
A Seed Born from Wildfire
The award emerged after the devastating 2021 wildfires in Türkiye. Witnessing the destruction, Honorary Consul M. Azgun felt compelled to act, helping create the Netherlands–Türkiye Friendship Forest. This act of solidarity evolved into a global initiative, and Azgun received the first Eco Inspiration Award in 2024 for his extraordinary commitment to nature.
What the Award Honors
The Eco Inspiration Award recognizes women who:
- Lead impactful, nature-focused initiatives
- Protect biodiversity through innovative or authentic approaches
- Inspire others with courage, perseverance, and resilience
- Strengthen international solidarity among women
- Contribute meaningfully at local, national, or global levels
Supported by growing partnerships from all over the world, the award amplifies women’s environmental leadership worldwide.
Women’s Ecological Wisdom
Central to the award is the recognition of women as intergenerational stewards of ecological knowledge. Their wisdom—traditional or contemporary—sustains ecosystems and communities. Grounded in an eco-feminist perspective, the award challenges systems that simultaneously exploit women and nature, urging a more respectful, reciprocal relationship with the Earth.
2025 Winner
In 2025, we had the honor of awarding the Eco Inspiration Award to Patricia Gualinga for her unwavering commitment to defending Indigenous rights, Mother Earth, and the Living Forest of the Ecuadorian Amazon.
Through her leadership with the Kichwa People of Sarayaku, her work with Mujeres Amazónicas, and her voice in the International Rights of Nature Tribunal, she embodies courage, wisdom, and the deep connection between women and nature.
Her example inspires us all to stand for the Earth with the same strength and love she shows. By celebrating her, we also honor all Indigenous women protecting life, knowledge, and the future of our planet.
Amazons Project 
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