Alianza Ceibo – Gulbenkian Prize for Humanity 2026 Winner
An alliance of Amazonian Indigenous Peoples, recognised for a decade of work uniting communities, defending their territories and championing climate justice and ecological protection on the global stage.
Across the Upper Amazon Basin, from Ecuador to Peru and Colombia, the A’i Kofán, Siekopai, Siona and Waorani nations now steward their ancestral homelands together. Each nation sits on the alliance’s governing body, with equal representation of women and men.
This community-led model has let different peoples pursue shared goals, a challenge many Indigenous groups and environmental activists still face.
The Jury commended the alliance’s resilience. Despite hostile political interventions, Alianza Ceibo has used the courts and grassroots organising to halt deforestation, claim rights to its territory, and bring clean energy and water to communities that would otherwise depend on oil-polluted rivers.
“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.”
—Hernán Payaguaje, Siekopai, co-founder of Alianza Ceibo
Working alongside its sister organisation, Amazon Frontlines, and a wider coalition of Indigenous leaders, elders and allies, Alianza Ceibo has stopped extractive projects, won landmark court cases and changed daily life in its communities.
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“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.”
—Nemonte Nenquimo, Waorani, co-founder of Alianza Ceibo
Indigenous Peoples worldwide face a severe and persistent lack of funding. The €1 million Prize will help Alianza Ceibo sustain and scale its work protecting rainforest territories and upholding its people’s way of life, and invest in education and leadership opportunities for the next generation of Indigenous youth across the region.
Find out how this Indigenous-led alliance protects the Amazon and contributes to climate action
Know moreThe Gulbenkian Prize for Humanity recognises extraordinary leadership and helps accelerate proven, impactful climate action that benefits people and the planet.
Each year, an independent jury of internationally recognised experts in climate science, technology and politics, chaired by Angela Merkel, awards €1 million, one of the largest awards in sustainable development.
This year’s winner was selected from 304 nominations across 73 countries. Since 2020, the Prize has awarded €7 million to pioneering individuals and initiatives.
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