The names of the winners of the Iris Prize 2025 have been announced — an international award supporting young environmental leaders aged 14 to 24. This award provides funding, mentorship from experts, and opportunities to develop essential skills.
This year, the awards have been given to the projects Breathe Mongolia, Viaje al Microcosmos de Nuevo León (Mexico), and Project Lawud (Philippines). All of them demonstrate how youth initiatives can genuinely change the situation for the benefit of people and the planet.
Since its launch, the Iris Prize has supported 28 youth projects in 21 countries, allocating over £718,000. In total, the award offers up to $43,000 in grants across three categories and provides comprehensive support, including safety training, skill development, and mentorship.
Breathe Mongolia
The Breathe Mongolia project addresses air pollution and climate change issues through youth education and real-time monitoring. They connect environmental justice issues with health and democracy, receiving active community feedback and applying strategic data for systemic changes.
The project team has trained over 600 young people and engaged 100 volunteers, raising awareness about climate issues in rural and marginalized communities. For example, a nationwide petition initiated by Breathe Mongolia gathered over 71,000 signatures, which served as the basis for parliamentary hearings on air pollution policy.
Viaje al Microcosmos de Nuevo León
The Viaje al Microcosmos de Nuevo León project connects the residents of Monterrey with the Santa Catarina River, turning it into a living laboratory for studying local biodiversity. Participants of all ages use homemade microscopes and the iNaturalist app for observations and documentation of various species.
Since 2021, a community of over 600 science enthusiasts has registered an increase in species from 781 to 1126, including protected species such as the monarch butterfly and the spiny softshell turtle. This data has now become the foundation for legitimate initiatives to protect coastal areas and restore ecosystems.
Project Lawud
Project Lawud focuses on the protection of dugongs in the Philippines, which play a key role in the ecosystem of Sarangani Bay. The team conducts ecological research, interviews with locals, and creates maps of dugong sightings, training young professionals in marine biology and organizing educational campaigns.
Millie Edwards, Director of the Iris Project, stated:
“The 2025 laureates highlight the importance of supporting youth leadership in our commitment to the planet. In Mongolia, Mexico, and the Philippines, young project leaders are tackling pollution issues, restoring rivers, and protecting endangered species, demonstrating that youth actions can yield real results.”
“Our task is to support them by providing the necessary tools and opportunities for their development. In the face of an escalating climate crisis, supporting young innovators is not just important but vital for creating a safer and more sustainable future.”
Desmond Alunyoa, co-founder of Green Africa and winner of the Earthshot Prize 2024, noted:
“Judging this year's Iris Prize showed that the most progressive solutions to climate issues often come from those who are directly facing them.”
“These young leaders are not waiting for permission; they are creating change, and their creativity, courage, and perseverance are what is needed to tackle climate and natural challenges. I am proud to be part of the jury and look forward to how this funding will help them develop their initiatives.”
The Iris Prize 2025 emphasizes the importance of youth environmental initiatives and the need to support young leaders through funding, mentorship, and practical skills. In the context of escalating climate and natural crises, such support becomes a decisive factor for a safer and more sustainable future.
Tatar S.Maidar
source: MiddleAsianNews
