In an email to Fernanda Samuel, the prize organization said they were impressed "to learn of her work with the Otchiva project and very proud" that she was one of the regional finalists for the UNEP Young Champion of the Earth. For that reason, "the UNEP Earthshot Council decided to nominate you as a candidate for the Earthshot Award."
In the email, quoted by the newspaper Opaís, UNEP also mentions that Fernanda Samuel's passion is "absolutely contagious". The organization also assured Fernanda Samuel that, even if she doesn't win the award, her work will be promoted on UNEP's social networks.
The environmentalist's work has been getting noticed: in May last year, the Angolan woman was distinguished by the African Union in Sierra Leone, and in July 2020 she was one of the regional finalists for the 'Young Champions of the Earth' award.
Fernanda Samuel has been working on mangrove preservation and reforestation. The project began in Benguela, and actions have been carried out in the cities of Lobito, Bengo, Soyo, N'Zeto and Luanda. However, the environmentalist wants to extend the project to the provinces of Namibe, Kwanza Sul and Cabinda.
The 'Earthshot Prize', launched last year, will distinguish five different people. The winners will receive one million pounds to help tackle some of the world's biggest environmental challenges.
The prize is an initiative of Prince William and is regarded as one of the most prestigious environmental awards. Awarded annually, the Earthshot Prize aims to encourage environmental change by contributing to the recovery of the planet over the next decade.
