17-Year-Old Amara Nwuneli Makes History as Africa’s Earth Prize Winner
At just 17 years old, Amara Nwuneli is making history. The Nigerian-American activist has become the first Nigerian to win the Earth Prize 2025 in Africa, recognized for her groundbreaking initiative, Preserve Our Roots, a project dedicated to transforming underserved urban spaces into vibrant green community hubs.
Growing up in Lagos, a city of more than 17 million residents but with only 3% green space, Amara experienced the daily challenges of urban heat, poor air quality, and the loss of biodiversity. These realities shaped her vision for a different future, one where nature is not a luxury but a fundamental part of city life. With this dream in mind, she founded Preserve Our Roots, a youth-led NGO focused on creating “green sustainability parks.” Built from recycled materials and powered by community volunteers, these parks serve not only as peaceful oases but also as outdoor classrooms where young people are educated on climate resilience and sustainable living.
The first park, established in Ikota, Nigeria, has already made an impact. Now, with $12,500 in funding from the Earth Prize, Amara plans to expand her work by creating three more parks in underserved Nigerian communities, aiming to reach tens of thousands of young people with climate education and revitalized green spaces.
“For millions like me, growing up in a place where green spaces are rare, nature always felt like a distant dream,” Amara shared. “Thanks to The Earth Prize, this dream is becoming a reality.”
Since its founding in 2021 by The Earth Foundation in Geneva, the Earth Prize has empowered over 15,000 teenagers from 160 countries and territories, awarding $500,000 in funding to drive transformative environmental solutions. This year, the winners have been hailed by Peter McGarry, the foundation’s founder, as “beacons of hope and creativity” in the global fight for sustainability.
Amara Nwuneli’s journey is a powerful reminder that real change in our cities doesn’t start with protests alone; it begins with action. With her vision, determination, and a growing community behind her, Amara is helping to turn concrete jungles into thriving ecosystems of hope.
