CHAMPIONS OF THE EARTH 2025 : Global Acclaim for Green Governance: IAS Supriya Sahu Wins UNEP Award

CHAMPIONS OF THE EARTH 2025 : Global Recognition for Local Action

Chennai/Nairobi: In a historic announcement that places Indian bureaucracy at the center of the global environmental stage, Senior IAS officer Supriya Sahu has been declared a winner of the CHAMPIONS OF THE EARTH 2025 award. The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) unveiled the laureates early Friday morning, selecting Sahu for the coveted ‘Policy Leadership’ category. As the UN’s highest environmental honor, this award recognizes outstanding leaders from government, civil society, and the private sector whose actions have a transformative impact on the planet. For India, seeing a civil servant receive the CHAMPIONS OF THE EARTH 2025 title is a validation of the country’s shifting focus from policy formulation to rigorous, on-ground implementation.

The selection of Supriya Sahu, currently serving as the Additional Chief Secretary to the Government of Tamil Nadu (Environment, Climate Change, and Forests), comes at a critical juncture in the global fight against climate change. The UNEP selection committee highlighted that the CHAMPIONS OF THE EARTH 2025 are defined not just by their vision, but by their ability to execute complex environmental mandates within the rigid structures of government. Sahu’s tenure has been characterized by a fearless approach to tackling the “triple planetary crisis”—climate change, nature and biodiversity loss, and pollution and waste—making her a standout choice for this year’s accolade.

AS Supriya Sahu has been honored with the prestigious UNEP CHAMPIONS OF THE EARTH 2025 award for Policy Leadership. Discover how her pioneering work in Tamil Nadu is setting global benchmarks for climate action.

The Architecture of Climate Resilience

A major factor propelling Sahu to the podium of the CHAMPIONS OF THE EARTH 2025 is her role in architecting India’s first government-backed company dedicated to climate action: the Tamil Nadu Green Climate Company (TNGCC). Recognizing that traditional bureaucratic channels were often too slow to respond to the climate emergency, Sahu spearheaded the creation of this Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV). This innovative model allowed the state to bypass red tape and execute mission-mode projects with corporate efficiency. The jury noted that this structural innovation provides a replicable blueprint for sub-national governments worldwide, cementing her status among the CHAMPIONS OF THE EARTH 2025.

Under her leadership, the TNGCC has launched three ambitious missions: the Green Tamil Nadu Mission, the Tamil Nadu Wetlands Mission, and the Tamil Nadu Climate Change Mission. These initiatives have not only increased the state’s green cover but have also engaged the public in conservation efforts. By effectively bridging the gap between scientific data and administrative policy, Sahu has demonstrated the exact kind of decisive governance that the CHAMPIONS OF THE EARTH 2025 award seeks to celebrate and promote globally.

The War on Plastic: Meendum Manjapai

Perhaps the most visible success contributing to her winning the CHAMPIONS OF THE EARTH 2025 award is her relentless crusade against single-use plastics. While many regions have announced bans, Sahu’s administration distinguished itself through the “Meendum Manjapai” (Return of the Yellow Bag) campaign. This initiative went beyond enforcement; it revived a cultural tradition of using cloth bags, effectively combining heritage with modern sustainability goals. The UNEP citation specifically praised this campaign for its community-centric approach, proving that the true CHAMPIONS OF THE EARTH 2025 are those who can change the heartbeat of society, not just its laws.

Furthermore, Sahu ensured that the ban on plastics did not negatively impact the economy of the poor. She integrated women’s Self-Help Groups (SHGs) into the solution, empowering them to manufacture eco-friendly alternatives. This intersection of environmental protection and socio-economic empowerment caught the attention of the international jury. By turning a “ban” into a “livelihood opportunity,” Sahu showcased a holistic model of governance that is rare in public administration, making her a deserving recipient of the CHAMPIONS OF THE EARTH 2025 honor.

Blue Carbon and Marine Protection

Restoring the Ocean’s Lungs

Supriya Sahu’s vision extends far beyond terrestrial forests, a fact that weighed heavily in her selection as one of the CHAMPIONS OF THE EARTH 2025. She has been the driving force behind the establishment of India’s first Dugong Conservation Reserve in Palk Bay. This initiative aims to protect the endangered sea cow and, crucial to the climate fight, the seagrass beds they inhabit. Seagrasses are potent carbon sinks, and by protecting them, Sahu has championed “Blue Carbon” solutions. This sophisticated understanding of marine ecosystems and their role in climate mitigation set her apart from other nominees for the CHAMPIONS OF THE EARTH 2025.

Additionally, her tenure saw the designation of a record number of Ramsar sites in Tamil Nadu, protecting vital wetlands that serve as buffers against floods and droughts. The speed and scientific rigour with which these sites were identified and notified impressed the UN panel. The CHAMPIONS OF THE EARTH 2025 award acknowledges that protecting these wetlands is essential for water security in the Global South, and Sahu’s aggressive conservation strategy has secured these resources for future generations.

A Model for the Global South

In a video message released alongside the announcement, UNEP Executive Director Inger Andersen stated that the CHAMPIONS OF THE EARTH 2025 represent “hope in action.” She noted that Sahu’s work proves that the civil service can be a powerful engine for environmental restoration when led with passion and integrity. By honoring an Indian bureaucrat, the UN is sending a strong signal to the developing world that administrative leadership is as crucial as scientific innovation. Sahu’s win as a CHAMPIONS OF THE EARTH 2025 laureate highlights the power of state-level actors in contributing to national and international climate goals.

In her acceptance statement, Supriya Sahu dedicated the CHAMPIONS OF THE EARTH 2025 award to the frontline forest staff—the watchers, guards, and rangers—who risk their lives to protect nature. “This recognition belongs to the people of Tamil Nadu who have embraced the call to return to nature,” she remarked. Her humility and focus on collective effort further exemplify the values of the award. As she prepares to travel to the gala ceremony later this month, her achievement serves as a beacon of inspiration for young officers and environmentalists, proving that with the right will, the government can be the planet’s greatest ally.

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The Road Ahead

The recognition of Supriya Sahu as a CHAMPIONS OF THE EARTH 2025 winner is not a conclusion but a catalyst for further action. It places a global spotlight on Tamil Nadu’s green initiatives, inviting international collaboration and funding. It also raises the bar for environmental governance across India. As the climate crisis intensifies, the world will look to leaders like Sahu who have demonstrated that sustainable development is not a choice between the economy and the environment, but a synergy of both. The legacy of the CHAMPIONS OF THE EARTH 2025 will be written in the restored mangroves, the plastic-free streets, and the protected wildlife corridors that Sahu has fought so hard to secure.