Barbadian environmental advocate Yemi Knight has won second prize at the 2026 Young Ecofeminist International Awards, held during COP17 in Yerevan, Armenia.
Knight, founder and director of the youth organisation AnchorBridge Environmental, was recognised for her work which has helped bring about significant changes, including contributing to the first reform of the Barbados Water Authority and helping improve water access for low-income rural communities.
The awards ceremony took place in COP17’s Green Zone at the Karen Demirchyan Sports and Concert Complex in Yerevan.
The work of those competing for the award brings together biodiversity protection, the study of climate processes, gender equality and social justice. The winners’ work promotes inclusive, rights-based action as a prerequisite for effective biodiversity protection, contributing to a comprehensive response to planetary crises and the protection of human rights.
Marieke Monroy-Winter, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Netherlands to Armenia, presented second prize to Knight.
In her remarks, Monroy-Winter said pluralism required listening to people who shared their own perspectives with the public.
“This is how we enrich ourselves and understand one another. This is how we build peace, something we have also heard about during this wonderful COP17. We will all be interested to hear about your experiences and learn from you. Young ecofeminists can show us the way forward. Biodiversity is a very important subject. It is the foundation of life, and we believe genetic diversity is a very good safeguard for stability. It enables us to respond more effectively to a wide range of situations, whether human-made or natural challenges. We need that diversity,” Monroy-Winter said.
First prize went to Sarah Adongo from Uganda. As a legal adviser at Witness Radio Uganda, Adongo participates in legal proceedings concerning sexual violence and the protection of land rights. She supports women who have experienced sexual and gender-based violence, helping them understand and defend their rights, document their cases and acquire the knowledge and confidence to present cases, give testimony and negotiate on behalf of their communities.
In his remarks, Ambassador Vassilis Maragos, Head of the EU Delegation to Armenia, said the winners served as examples both in their own countries and around the world, because what happens in each country affects the entire world.
“I think these awards are an important reminder that you are not alone, we are not alone, and we must cooperate to achieve results. And I believe leadership is about precisely this cooperation. As the European Union’s ambassador to Armenia, I am particularly pleased to see such engagement in biodiversity conservation from civil society, its leaders, young people and organisations defending women’s rights. In Armenia, we work closely with these groups, demonstrating our shared commitment to achieving results,” Maragos said.
He said the EU supported initiatives in Armenia implemented by both civil society and state institutions that brought together biodiversity conservation, environmental sustainability and human rights.
“We will soon launch a new programme in Armenia focusing on bringing together youth- and women-led organisations and green initiatives. We recognise the important role these actors can play in promoting environmental sustainability and bringing positive change to their communities. COP17 is an important opportunity to showcase this work and continue highlighting and discussing local biodiversity initiatives,” Maragos said.
Published by Armenpress: https://armenpress.am/en/article/1263469