On December 11, 2025, Environmental Defenders, in partnership with Terra FM, convened the third edition of the Kilimo Environmental Awards in Mahagi Territory, Ituri Province, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. The ceremony honored individuals and grassroots organizations whose actions demonstrate that protecting tropical forests, defending biodiversity, and strengthening community wellbeing are inseparable tasks in a time of accelerating climate disruption.
The event drew community members, local authorities, customary leaders, and civil society actors for a day that combined celebration with public education. Traditional dance troupes performed throughout the program, reminding everyone that environmental stewardship is also cultural heritage. Art eza Art performed “Gwoko Cwic mutyekowa,” a community song encouraging sustainable agriculture, large scale reforestation, and an end to bushfires that threaten biodiversity and livelihoods. Jean Jacques Awadini’s troupe staged a didactic play focused on the legal consequences of illegal logging, reinforcing the message that forest protection is not only a moral obligation but also a legal responsibility.
Kilimo is more than an annual ceremony. Launched in 2023 by Environmental Defenders, an environmental conservation and human rights organization working across Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, the prize exists to recognize practical solutions led by those who live closest to the ecosystems at risk. The award focuses on safeguarding tropical forests and combating climate change within the Albertine Rift and Congo Basin regions, while highlighting community initiatives that resist destructive projects driving the climate crisis.
Since the prize began, 50 laureates have been recognized: 18 in 2023, 19 in 2024, and 13 in 2025. Award categories include Harmony with Nature, Guardians of Tradition, Steward of the Land, Resilience in Conservation, Thriving Communities, and Capacity Building. Each laureate receives a support grant ranging from 200 to 1,500 US dollars, designed to strengthen locally rooted work that often proceeds with little outside support.
Environmental Defenders also provides sustained accompaniment for honorees beyond the ceremony itself. This includes security assistance to help shield recipients from threats linked to their environmental advocacy, capacity building support through training and resources, and collaborative networks that connect awardees with like minded individuals and organizations so they can amplify collective action.
The competition is anchored in place. In the Democratic Republic of Congo, recipients are selected from Mahagi Territory. In Uganda, candidates must live in the Albertine region districts of Pakwach, Nebbi, Buliisa, Nwoya, Hoima, Masindi, Kiryandongo, and Kikuube. This regional focus reflects the goal of strengthening environmental leadership where ecosystems are under rising pressure from deforestation, land degradation, and expanding industrial development.
During the ceremony, Uyeny Pewu Alithum, Head of the Environment Service, spoke about the dangers linked to the firewood trade and reminded participants that protecting trees brings direct benefits such as shade and climate regulation. He also lamented that Mahagi Territory is often excluded from major national environmental projects. In response, Agenonga Robert highlighted the legal tools available in the Democratic Republic of Congo, including the Forest Code and provisions that allow local communities to obtain forest concessions based on customary rights. He urged local leaders to move away from passivity and actively lobby for the recognition and establishment of community forests.
The ceremony included powerful testimonies from laureates and supporters. Tito Awinga, a 2023 laureate, linked conservation to spiritual duty, noting that trees are a heritage for future generations. There was also excitement around the presence of young Kilimo, the son of a 2023 laureate who was born on the day of the first awards ceremony, symbolizing the intergenerational legacy the prize aims to build. A representative of Notre Dame de Logo Parish cited Laudato Si and placed care for our common home at the center of the Church’s mission. Okumu Yozenia Uguti, the distinguished laureate of 2025, shared how long term investment in trees helped him educate his children and build a permanent home, offering a direct and practical illustration of how conservation strengthens livelihoods.
Samuel Warom Jaryekong’a, one of the competition judges, explained that the 2025 edition recognized both full prize laureates and runner up recipients to encourage sustained effort. Environmental Defenders increased the planned encouragement funding to ensure emerging leaders could continue their work with stronger momentum.
So which ideas were awarded? Below are the 2025 laureates, presented in alphabetical order, with summaries of the work for which they were recognized.
2025 Kilimo Environmental Prize Laureates
Abeda Valeriano, Mahagi Territory, Democratic Republic of Congo
Based in Jupudok and Jupulobo Villages in Mokambo Chiefdom, Abeda Valeriano was recognized for his commitment to land conservation, community mobilization, food sovereignty, and environmental justice in the Lendu Plateau landscape. A peasant leader, forester, and organizer, he focuses on restoring ecosystems and defending land rights along the Kakoi River corridor, including areas of Ruvinga in Mukambu. By promoting sustainable land management, protecting riverbanks, and resisting land grabbing, he addresses the root links between land insecurity, ecological decline, and household vulnerability. His work reinforces farmers as custodians of biodiversity and watershed integrity.
APAPE, Mahagi Territory, Democratic Republic of Congo
The Association for the Promotion of Agriculture, Fishing, and Livestock, known as APAPE, is based in Pajulu 3 within Ajii fishing camp along Lake Albert in Wagongo Chiefdom. The association was recognized for its holistic, community driven approach to climate justice, environmental health, and sustainable livelihoods. With 56 members, APAPE combines agriculture, fishing, and livestock practices designed to reduce pressure on fragile ecosystems. It also leads weekly community clean up efforts to address plastic pollution along streets and lakeshore areas. In 2025, APAPE established a nursery of 75,675 indigenous seedlings, including locally valued species, for free distribution to communities across the Albertine region to support large scale reforestation. The group also integrates rights education, community advocacy, and women’s participation in decision making, demonstrating that environmental protection and social justice must advance together.
Cwinyaay Abinenoiwu Augustin, Mahagi Territory, Democratic Republic of Congo
Based in Pawecu Yebe Village in War Palara Chiefdom, Cwinyaay Abinenoiwu Augustin was recognized for sustained forest restoration, livelihood security, and responsible resource management. Over 15 years, he has planted and protected 14,821 trees, combining indigenous and exotic species to restore degraded land and stabilize local microclimates. His work speaks directly to the realities of rural energy poverty, where households depend heavily on wood for cooking and daily needs. By managing tree resources responsibly, he reduces pressure on remaining natural forests while improving household resilience and creating practical, locally viable solutions.
Gaudesio Jersey Ojwiga, Nebbi District, Uganda
Based in Pangere Wigwi Village in Achana Subcounty, Gaudesio Jersey Ojwiga was recognized for climate defense, restoration, and biodiversity protection through exemplary agroforestry. On a three hectare plot, he has established a diversified garden containing more than 2,174 trees, including 1,541 native species and 633 exotic species. His system blends indigenous trees with productive fruit trees, including citrus and mango, generating income while rebuilding soil fertility and moisture retention. His land has become a visible reference point in the community, showing how tree cover improves harvest reliability under climate variability. Gaudesio also holds a long term vision to develop a small ecotourism and learning site to promote environmental education and showcase rare and indigenous tree species.
Notre Dame de Logo Parish, Mahagi Territory, Democratic Republic of Congo
Located in Dhala Village in Djukoth Chiefdom, Notre Dame de Logo Parish was recognized for mobilizing faith communities to protect forests and respond to climate challenges. Inspired by Laudato Si, the parish has helped manage and protect forested land across several villages, linking environmental stewardship with social justice and community responsibility. The parish emphasizes that forests provide climate regulation, soil protection, and livelihoods through employment and community engagement. Its work demonstrates the influential role religious institutions can play in biodiversity protection by translating moral commitments into practical conservation action.
Okumu Yozenia Uguti, Nebbi District, Uganda
Okumu Yozenia Uguti was recognized as the distinguished laureate of the year for exceptional dedication to environmental protection, livelihood generation, and defense of ancestral land. Based in Gotanyonga Village in Akworo Subcounty, he safeguards a shea dominated forest landscape covering about 25 hectares near Lake Albert and the Albert Nile delta. He maintains more than 45,000 indigenous trees, including over 10,000 shea trees. His land contributes to climate stability and biodiversity resilience while supporting livelihoods through traditional production systems and cross border trade networks. He also holds a customary leadership role as Minister of Land and Environment within the Ker Alur administrative council, using public gatherings to promote conservation ethics and responsible land use. His example illustrates how traditional governance and ecological restoration can work together to protect long term public interest.
Ucol Ukethwengu Jean Bosco, Mahagi Territory, Democratic Republic of Congo
Based in Gwok Nyeri Centre in Panduru Chiefdom, Ucol Ukethwengu Jean Bosco was recognized for advancing community led reforestation, climate resilience, and green livelihoods. Since 2018, he has led a reforestation initiative across multiple localities, promoting tree planting as a foundation for long term development. His work improves soil fertility, stabilizes microclimates, and protects water infiltration zones vital for farming. A key impact is youth employment, with reforestation activities creating income opportunities that reduce vulnerability and discourage destructive land use.
Ulama Sindani Dhamas, Mahagi Territory, Democratic Republic of Congo
Based in Panduru Chiefdom, Ulama Sindani Dhamas was awarded for leadership in climate action, indigenous species conservation, livelihood security, and land restoration. As project manager of the Mount Akara reforestation initiative known as Environnement En Danger and founder of his own project Tic Ku Tego, he integrates tree planting with food crop cultivation and small livestock rearing. He promotes indigenous tree species and helps communities understand their long term benefits for soil fertility, biodiversity, and climate resilience. Through nurseries supplying seedlings adapted to local conditions, his work strengthens community ownership of conservation.
Umirambe Wathum Yozadak, Mahagi Territory, Democratic Republic of Congo
Based in Djupagodo Gissi Village in Mokambo Chiefdom, Umirambe Wathum Yozadak was recognized for restoring degraded land, reconnecting forest ecosystems, and safeguarding biodiversity in the Lendu Plateau. His work protects watersheds, water recharge areas, and community forests, while supporting large scale native tree planting that reconnects fragmented habitats. Concentrated within the corridor linking the Kakoi River, Koda, and Gbana areas toward Mount Abora and surrounding forest complexes, his restoration improves water infiltration, reduces erosion, and supports the return of birds, insects, and other wildlife, signaling ecological recovery.
Unega Michel, Mahagi Territory, Democratic Republic of Congo
Unega Michel was recognized for lifelong dedication to land stewardship, Indigenous empowerment, and community based conservation. Based in Abira Asabu Village in Anghal Chiefdom, he has protected native forests and water sources for more than 60 years on a 25 hectare plot. By conserving key indigenous trees and multiplying seedlings, he strengthens soil fertility, supports food security, and creates habitat for biodiversity. He also shares knowledge with women and youth, building intergenerational capacity for conservation leadership rooted in local culture and traditional ecological knowledge.
Urera Nyakara Generose, Mahagi Territory, Democratic Republic of Congo
Based in Umoyo Undhokolo Ther Awili Village in Djukoth Chiefdom, Urera Nyakara Generose was recognized for more than 40 years of women led environmental leadership, agroforestry, and advocacy for equitable access to land and water. Her work links climate action with gender justice and livelihood diversification, supporting initiatives such as tree nurseries, poultry, beekeeping, fish farming, organic fertilizers, vegetable gardens, and sustainable use of forest resources. She places strong emphasis on protecting water sources and reducing the burden on women and girls who often spend long hours collecting water, enabling more time for education and economic activities. Her leadership shows how inclusive governance strengthens resilience.
Uvoya Laurent, Mahagi Territory, Democratic Republic of Congo
Based in Abira Djupadrogo Utadu Village in Anghal Chiefdom, Uvoya Laurent was recognized for restoring degraded ecosystems and building resilient, biodiverse landscapes. His approach prioritizes ecological integrity through diverse indigenous species, rebuilding native forest systems that stabilize microclimates, regenerate soils, and restore wildlife habitat. He links restoration to livelihood improvement through nursery activities and agroforestry that can reduce household poverty and strengthen food security. His work demonstrates that conservation succeeds when people see tangible benefits alongside ecological recovery.
Uwonda Sikumbili Dieudonné, Mahagi Territory, Democratic Republic of Congo
Based in Pajulu wi Fungu Village in Wagongo Chiefdom, Uwonda Sikumbili Dieudonné was recognized for advancing land restoration, climate resilience, and inclusive conservation models. By rehabilitating degraded land through tree planting and improved land management, he contributes to soil recovery, reduced erosion, and more stable local rainfall patterns. His work challenges the perception that conservation is the responsibility of only a few, encouraging wider community participation and showing that restoration can be economically viable when linked to food production and responsible resource management.
About Environmental Defenders
Environmental Defenders works to strengthen human and environmental security in regions where ecosystems and communities face growing pressure from climate change, biodiversity loss, and unsustainable development. The organization operates from a shared mission centered on justice, resilience, and the protection of nature, recognizing that healthy ecosystems and human dignity are deeply interconnected.
At the core of its work is the defense of natural ecosystems and biodiversity alongside the promotion and protection of human and environmental rights. Environmental Defenders supports communities whose livelihoods, cultures, and futures depend on forests, water, land, and wildlife, and works to ensure that conservation advances hand in hand with social justice.
The organization’s mission is to protect and defend the natural environment and the people and wildlife that rely on it. Its vision is a world in which people and wildlife coexist in safe, healthy, and ecologically balanced environments, where development does not come at the expense of nature or human rights.
This work is set against a stark global context. Among the leading drivers of species extinction, deforestation and habitat loss contribute approximately 25% of global greenhouse gas emissions. According to the latest IUCN Red List, more than 96,000 species have been assessed worldwide, with 27,514 plant species, about 26 percent, facing the risk of extinction. Climate change, human activity, habitat destruction, disease, and invasive species continue to accelerate this loss.
In response, Environmental Defenders focuses on saving species, protecting critical habitats, and managing nature reserves to strengthen biodiversity resilience across the landscapes where it operates. Its conservation approach emphasizes long term stewardship, ecological integrity, and community leadership.
A central pillar of the organization’s work is the protection of environmental human rights defenders. These defenders, individuals and groups who peacefully work to safeguard rights linked to water, air, land, flora, and fauna, are increasingly exposed to intimidation, criminalization, and, in some cases, lethal violence. Environmental Defenders responds by strengthening the safety and resilience of defenders and conservation organizations whose work places them at risk.
Its protection model includes emergency relocation, medical and legal assistance, personal security training, security infrastructure, rapid response funding, and preventive measures designed to reduce risk. The organization also provides holistic security and psychosocial support to environmental defenders, community rangers, and forest guards working on the frontlines of biodiversity protection.
Through this integrated approach, Environmental Defenders enables conservation actors and communities to continue their essential role in safeguarding ecosystems, defending rights, and building a more just and resilient future.
The full list and details of laureates for 2025 can be accessed here to learn more: https://watetezi.org/kilimo-award/?e-filter-b216c1d-award-year=2025
Presentations of the Kilimo Award 2025 – Photo Gallery