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Colombian Activist Yuvelis Morales Wins Goldman Prize for Environmental Defense

4/21/2026

Summary

Morales Blanco's Victory

Colombian environmental activist Yuvelis Morales Blanco received the 2026 Goldman Environmental Prize for halting fracking in Puerto Wilches.
She co-founded the youth-led Aguawil organization and mobilized local communities to protect the Magdalena River from oil development.
Morales Blanco faced death threats and a temporary exile in France, yet she remains committed to her cause.
Her award highlights the global role of women in environmental defense and the rights of nature.

Summary

Women Activists Honored

The 2026 Goldman Environmental Prize recognizes six women activists for environmental protection, marking the first all-women cohort.
Honorees are Iroro Tanshi (Nigeria), Borim Kim (South Korea), Sarah Finch (United Kingdom), Theonila Roka Matbob (Papua New Guinea), Alannah Acaq Hurley (United States), and Yuvelis Morales Blanco (Colombia).
Their achievements include halting fracking in Colombia, winning landmark climate litigation in South Korea, and stopping a major mining project in Alaska.

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Morales Blanco's Victory

Colombian environmental activist Yuvelis Morales Blanco received the 2026 Goldman Environmental Prize for halting fracking in Puerto Wilches.
She co-founded the youth-led Aguawil organization and mobilized local communities to protect the Magdalena River from oil development.
Morales Blanco faced death threats and a temporary exile in France, yet she remains committed to her cause.
Her award highlights the global role of women in environmental defense and the rights of nature.

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