Feature story - July 23, 2009
Greenpeace Africa wishes to congratulate Marc Ona Essangui from Gabon for winning the 2009 Goldman environmental prize. Marc is president and founder of the environmental NGO Brainforest and president of the network of NGOs called Environment Gabon.
Marc Ona Essangui from Gabon, winner of the 2009 Goldman Environmental Prize.
He has taken personal risks to campaigning on social and environmental issues. Together with other civil society leaders, Marc Ona Essangui endured a stint in prison but was released following media reports of their arrest in Africa, Europe and the US.
His efforts to advocate for transparency have earned him respect around the world, making his voice on environmental issues one of the most recognised in Africa. He continues to lobby his government to protect its citizens from environmental injustices.
The Goldman Environmental Prize was started by an American civic leader Richard N. Goldman and his late wife, Rhoda H. Goldman (1924-1996) in 1990 to honour grassroots environmental heroes in Africa, Asia, Europe, Islands and Island Nations, North America, and South and Central America. The Prize recognizes individuals for sustained efforts to protect their environment.
For more information please visit: www.goldmanprize.org/2009/africa