Nigerian Scientist Iroro Tanshi Wins 2026 "Green Nobel" Prize

Nigerian conservationist Iroro Tanshi has made history today by being named a recipient of the prestigious Goldman Environmental Prize, often referred to as the "Green Nobel." Tanshi was honored for her tireless work in protecting the rare Short-tailed Roundleaf Bat and its habitat in the Cross River rainforests, where she successfully trained local communities to prevent wildfires and stop illegal logging.

The Goldman Prize committee highlighted that in a historic first, all six of this year’s global winners are women. Tanshi’s grassroots approach, which blends scientific research with community-led surveillance, has been credited with saving several endangered species from extinction in Nigeria's dwindling primary forests. She is expected to receive the award at a ceremony in San Francisco later today.

Speaking from her base, Tanshi dedicated the award to the rural communities that have become the frontline defenders of Nigeria’s biodiversity. She noted that the prize money would be reinvested into expanding conservation education across the Niger Delta and Southeast, aiming to turn forest-adjacent communities into "wildlife guardians" rather than exploiters.

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