Teresa Vicente, a professor of philosophy of law at the University of Murcia, has been recognized as one of the winners of the prestigious Goldman Environmental Prize for her efforts in saving the Mar Menor lagoon in Spain. Once known for its crystal-clear waters, the lagoon faced chronic contamination from mining, development, and agricultural runoff, leading to a mass fish die-off in 2019. Vicente’s grassroots campaign led to the passing of a new law in 2022, granting the lagoon legal rights to conservation, protection, and damage remediation. This recognition signifies an international acknowledgment of the importance of humanity’s role in preserving nature.
The other winners of the Goldman Environmental Prize include Marcel Gomes, Murrawah Maroochy Johnson, Alok Shukla, Andrea Vidaurre, Nonhle Mbuthuma, and Sinegugu Zukulu, who have all made significant contributions to environmental protection in their respective regions. Gomes exposed connections between a meatpacking corporation and illegal deforestation in Brazil, Johnson stopped the development of a coal mine in Australia, Shukla led a movement to save forests in India, Vidaurre advocated for emission limits in California, and Mbuthuma and Zukulu prevented seismic testing in South Africa. These individuals have worked tirelessly against overwhelming odds to protect the environment.
Vicente’s journey to saving the Mar Menor lagoon began when she learned about the fish die-off in 2019 while studying in England. She returned to Spain and drafted a bill to grant legal protection to the lagoon, eventually gathering 640,000 signatures with the help of volunteers across the country. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 lockdowns, Vicente’s determination and the support of the community led to the passing of the law in 2022. Her success can be attributed to people coming together to defend their rights and the ecosystem they are a part of.
The Goldman Environmental Prize, founded by Richard and Rhoda H. Goldman in 1989, honors ordinary individuals making extraordinary contributions to environmental conservation. Vicente’s recognition as one of this year’s winners highlights the importance of community-led efforts in protecting natural resources. The award acknowledges the critical role individuals play in safeguarding the environment and promoting sustainability. With support from organizations like the Walton Family Foundation, the Associated Press continues to provide coverage of environmental issues, emphasizing the need for collective action to address global challenges.
