Alianza Ceibo wins the 2026 Gulbenkian Prize for Humanity
Alianza Ceibo is a non-profit organisation working to protect climate-critical ancestral lands in the Upper Amazon Basin. Bringing together the A’i Kofán, Siekopai, Siona and Waorani Indigenous nations, the Alliance protects more than two million hectares of biodiverse rainforest across Ecuador, Peru and Colombia. It also supports Indigenous Peoples in responding to threats to their cultures and autonomy through community-rooted strategies focused on strengthening the leadership of women and young people. Its initiatives include the Women’s Entrepreneurship and Leadership School, which has trained 260 Indigenous women in sustainable economic alternatives over the past decade, and the Indigenous Communications School, which equips young people with skills in storytelling, photography, filmmaking and journalism, helping to preserve their communities’ memory and culture.
By awarding this Prize, the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation recognises Alianza Ceibo’s decade-long work to unite communities, defend ancestral territories in the Amazon, advance the rights of Indigenous Peoples and promote climate justice. Worth €1 million, the Prize will help this alliance of Indigenous Peoples of the Amazon sustain and expand its Indigenous-led model, strengthening rainforest protection while investing in community-led education, leadership development and opportunities for the next generation of Indigenous young people.
António Feijó, President of the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, said: “This year’s winner is a powerful example of Indigenous leadership in the fight for climate justice in one of the Earth’s most precious ecosystems—the Amazon rainforest. In the face of adversity, Alianza Ceibo has joined forces across national borders to take the future of its ancestral territories into its own hands. It shows us what can be achieved when we come together around a shared purpose.”
The strength of Alianza Ceibo’s unique, community-led model has delivered significant results in protecting its lands from resource exploitation. These include landmark victories in halting deforestation and securing territorial rights, as well as introducing clean energy and safe drinking water to protect communities from rivers polluted by extractive industries.
Alianza Ceibo’s principal achievements to date include:
Nemonte Nenquimo, a member of the Waorani people and co-founder of Alianza Ceibo, said: “We humbly accept this recognition on behalf of ourselves, our communities, our elders and our territories. This Prize honours the struggle we have carried forward from our ancestors and demonstrates its true impact on the world: Indigenous Peoples, who have always lived here, are essential to protecting the rainforest and finding solutions to climate change. The Amazon is vital to the balance of our planet, yet it continues to be destroyed. We must remain steadfast in its defence, because our lives depend on it.”
Hernán Payaguaje, a member of the Siekopai people and also a co-founder of Alianza Ceibo, said: “We receive this Prize with immense gratitude. It recognises the work we carry out from within our territories: supporting community processes, strengthening leadership, building capacity and advancing the autonomy of our peoples. It also acknowledges the positive impact on communities and the trust we have built with organisations, allies and partners. These alliances have enabled us to reach more territories, connect with more people and grow a regional movement. We believe that greater investment in the autonomy of our peoples, their organisations and their territories offers a genuine alternative—and provides a guarantee that our territories and our lives will be protected.”
The Jury, chaired by former German Chancellor Angela Merkel, selected the winner from 304 nominations spanning 73 countries. At a time when Indigenous land defenders face hostility and political interference, awarding the Gulbenkian Prize for Humanity to Alianza Ceibo recognises the vital role played by Indigenous Peoples in safeguarding one of the world’s most important ecosystems.
Angela Merkel, Chair of the Jury, said: “This Prize honours those who demonstrate an exceptional commitment to the Earth and to global coexistence between people and the planet. It reminds us that every person, wherever they are in the world, has the power to make a difference—and that a single action, when it inspires others, can become a powerful force for change around the world.”
At a time when Indigenous Peoples worldwide face a severe and persistent lack of funding, the €1 million Prize will help Alianza Ceibo safeguard Indigenous leadership in one of the world’s most important ecosystems.
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