Purpose

The purpose of the Earth Champions initiative is to inspire people, especially youth, and to involve world communities in seeking their own champions who are dedicated to finding solutions to environmental problems. It is unique because the benchmarks are standardised throughout the world and the search is in the hands of the people, rather than in remote committees.

The Earth Champions Foundation believes that saving the planet starts at home. Everyone can make a difference and leave a legacy through actions which could be as simple as planting a tree, being a good farmer or responsible stewardship.

Every four years, in the city hosting the summer Olympic Games, the Foundation runs a Quest to discover the people’s environmental solutions. The critical environmental issues facing the planet today will be played out in cities. The way in which our future cities evolve will shape everything, from food security to safe air and water and issues relating to poverty and war. Earth Champion Quests act as a catalyst for research, action and hope.

The Earth Champion Foundation’s activities deliver the following initiatives:

• Earth Champions Quest – a local and global quest

• Knowledge Pond^® – bundling “green” ideas & innovations

• State of the Local Planet Report – monitoring local environments

• Happiness Index – an index demonstrating the Earth Champions’ sense of happiness and satisfaction

And these initiatives are supported by the Foundation’s three main values:

1. Empowering everyday people

“Anyone Rich or Poor can be an Earth Champion”

Earth Champions are people or organisations who have made a significant and positive impact on an environmental issue at a local, national or global level. They may be individuals of any age, demographic and culture, or groups of individuals working together. They may be companies, government agencies or non-government organisations. The Foundation empowers ‘everyday’ people and provides a fair and equal playing field for all to share their green ideas.

2. Redefining our Champions

“All they give us are celebrities and athletes”

The Foundation aims to redefine the current concept of a champion to include those dedicated to restoring and sustaining the Earth. This is done by finding outstanding people from the local and business communities who will be promoted as role models and connected with young people looking for an inspiring way to actively work for a sustainable future.

3. Setting new environmental benchmarks

“The presentation and biodiversity is not just a job for governments. International and non-governmental organisations, the private sector and each and every individual have a role to play in changing entrenched outlooks and ending destructive patterns of behaviour”

Kofi Annan, Ghanina diplomat, Nobel Peace Prize Winner (b. 1938)

The Earth Champion Foundation strives to create a positive climate of hope and increase the proportion of people, communities and businesses consciously working for the benefit of their environment. Through discovery and celebration new environmental benchmarks are set by nominated Earth Champions. The Foundation provides the platform and support for these new standards to be launched and adopted by every level of society – individuals, to government and business.

The Quest for a community’s Earth Champions inspires community action, health and happiness long-term. These fundamental values and outcomes are at the heart of the Foundation’s mission, and we hope to achieve them on both a local and global scale.