Dr. Iroro Tanshi Awarded the Goldman Environmental Prize
Dr. Iroro Tanshi, recipient of the Pritzker Emerging Environmental Genius Award, has been honored with the prestigious Goldman Environmental Prize in recognition of her extraordinary leadership in wildlife conservation and environmental advocacy.
Dr. Iroro Tanshi, recipient of the Pritzker Emerging Environmental Genius Award, has been honored with the prestigious Goldman Environmental Prize in recognition of her extraordinary leadership in wildlife conservation and environmental advocacy.
Dr. Tanshi’s work has focused on protecting endangered bat species and advancing community-driven conservation initiatives in Nigeria and across West Africa. Her research and advocacy have helped elevate global awareness of the ecological importance of bats, while also addressing the threats posed by habitat loss, hunting, and misinformation surrounding these often misunderstood animals. Through her nonprofit, Small Mammal Conservation Organization (SMACON), Dr. Tanshi translates her research into action.
The Goldman Environmental Prize—often referred to as the “Green Nobel”—is awarded annually to one environmental leader from each region of the world. It recognizes individuals whose efforts have produced significant and lasting environmental impact and is widely considered the most prestigious prize for grassroots environmental activism.
Dr. Tanshi earned the award for her community-driven conservation work in Nigeria. Using funding from the Pritzker Emerging Environmental Genius Award, she supported her nonprofit SMACON in advancing bat research and habitat conservation. Through this work, she partnered with community fire brigades to prevent more than 70 wildfires between 2022 and 2025, protecting forests, local communities, and endangered bat habitats around Afi Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary.
As part of her engagement with UCLA, the Institute of the Environment and Sustainability (IoES) supported Dr. Tanshi’s visit to the biological field stations of the Congo Basin Institute in Cameroon. The visit provided opportunities for collaboration and knowledge exchange with researchers working at the intersection of biodiversity conservation, climate resilience, and sustainable development
During her time in Cameroon, Dr. Tanshi also participated in a workshop hosted by the Congo Basin Institute and UCLA Professor Elsa Ordway for PANGEA, a first-of-its-kind effort to map the Congo River’s vast rainforest system in its entirety. The workshop brought together scientists and conservation practitioners to strengthen interdisciplinary approaches to environmental research and ecosystem stewardship across Africa.
Dr. Tanshi’s achievements reflect the growing global influence of collaborative environmental research networks supported by UCLA and IoES.
Her recognition by the Goldman Environmental Prize emphasizes the importance of investing in emerging environmental leaders whose work bridges scientific research, conservation practice, and community engagement.
