The Antarctic and Southern Ocean Coalition (ASOC) has been the main voice for Antarctic conservation for over 40 years. On the 9th of July 2025 its efforts were recognized with the Gulbenkian Prize for Humanity.

ASOC was founded in 1978 with 25 founding members, including Greenpeace and the World Wide Fund for Nature. The coalition works for the protection of Antarctica and the surrounding Southern Ocean, one of the world’s most climate sensitive regions.

As the only environmental NGO invited to observe Antarctic Treaty meetings, ASOC represents the Antarctic conservation community in the international stage and influences decision-making at the core of Antarctic governance structures.

The independent jury, chaired by former Federal Chancellor of Germany, Angela Merkel, selected the recipient out of 212 nominations from 115 countries. The prize was received by Claire Christian (ASOC Executive Director), Jim Barnes (founder of ASOC), Ricardo Roura (Senior Advisor) and Eunhee Kim (Marine Conservation Expert). The Ceremony took place at the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation in Lisbon.

The Gulbenkian Prize for Humanity, first awarded in 2020, rewards individuals and organisations who are leading society’s efforts to tackle the single biggest challenge facing humanity today: climate change. Its value is one-million-euro.