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🌬 @BreatheMongolia, Mongolia

💚 Iris Prize Winner 2025

Breathe Mongolia is tackling one of the world’s deadliest #airpollution crises. This youth-led coalition is raising public awareness, transforming national air pollution policy, training young advocates, and working across sectors to strengthen #airquality laws and hold decision-makers accountable.

🎬 Watch the full documentary on our website 👉 LINK IN BIO
🍿 Support #YoungChangemakers. Share this story far & wide.

#CleanAir #EnvironmentalJustice #YouthLed #ClimateAction #PublicHealth #Mongolia

🐞 @vmicrocosmosnl, Mexico

🌿 Stem Prize Winner 2025

Viaje al Microcosmos is documenting #biodiversity in the Santa Catarina River, an overlooked #ecosystem in the heart of Monterrey. Through citizen science, art, and community expeditions, they’re engaging the public, generating data for legal protection, and strengthening local stewardship of this urban river.

🎬 Watch the full documentary on our website 👉 LINK IN BIO
🌬 Support #YoungChangemakers. Share this story far & wide.

#CitizenScience #UrbanEcology #RiverRestoration #YouthLed #ClimateSolutions #YouthinClimate #YoutLed #Mexico

🏝️ Project Lawud, Philippines

🌱 Seed Prize Winner 2025

In Sarangani Bay, #dugongs are endangered, and with them, entire coastal ecosystems. Project Lawud is led by young marine scientists who are training local communities to map dugong habitats, monitor threats, and raise awareness to support long-term #conservation of seagrass meadows and marine biodiversity.

Thank you to Department of Environment and Natural Resources 12 and Protected Area Management Office of the Sarangani Bay Protected Seascape for the dugong drone footage.
Credits to Kabpapagariya Ensemble for the introduction music.

🎬 Watch the full documentary on our website 👉 LINK IN BIO
🌬 Support #YoungChangemakers. Share this story far & wide.

#MarineConservation #Dugong #Seagrass #YouthLed #Philippines

Youth-led environmental work is not inherently too risky to fund.

The greater risk may be continuing to underfund it, while expecting young people to carry the future of climate and nature work without the resources, trust and long-term support they need.

💭As we are slowly making our way through this year’s Iris Prize applications, our director, Millie, reflects on the importance of funding youth-led initiatives and takes a deep dive into What keeps youth-led environmental work underfunded?

👉 Check out the full blog

🔗 Subscribe to our newsletter and be the first one to learn about the IP26 shortlist.

LINKS IN BIO

Youth-led environmental work is not inherently too risky to fund.

The greater risk may be continuing to underfund it, while expecting young people to carry the future of climate and nature work without the resources, trust and long-term support they need.

💭As we are slowly making our way through this year’s Iris Prize applications, our director, Millie, reflects on the importance of funding youth-led initiatives and takes a deep dive into What keeps youth-led environmental work underfunded?

👉 Check out the full blog

🔗 Subscribe to our newsletter and be the first one to learn about the IP26 shortlist.

LINKS IN BIO

Youth-led environmental work is not inherently too risky to fund.

The greater risk may be continuing to underfund it, while expecting young people to carry the future of climate and nature work without the resources, trust and long-term support they need.

💭As we are slowly making our way through this year’s Iris Prize applications, our director, Millie, reflects on the importance of funding youth-led initiatives and takes a deep dive into What keeps youth-led environmental work underfunded?

👉 Check out the full blog

🔗 Subscribe to our newsletter and be the first one to learn about the IP26 shortlist.

LINKS IN BIO

CHARECO has officially received their briquette production machinery! This team is on a mission to protect South Sudan’s forests by turning waste materials, like coconut shells, into sustainable charcoal briquettes. 🥥🌲

As a 2024 Seed Prize Runner-Up, CHARECO proved their impact early on, participating in every capacity-building session and even pitching at the CoalitionWILD EXCELerator. Later, due to their continuous dedication, they received $5,000 in repeat funding from The Iris Project to cover those final transport costs and kickstart their environmental education campaigns.

As with any early-stage initiative this journey hasn't been easy, with global shipping delays and logistical barriers creating unexpected delays. Watching this machinery arrive is a testament to what happens when determination and local leadership meets the right support 💚 We can’t wait to see the impact of this new production line!

Subscribe to our newsletter and be the first one to learn about the IP26 shortlist🔗 LINK IN BIO

Last but not least, welcome to our new judge Yen from 🇧🇪. Yen is a conservation and sustainable development professional and a firm believer in the power of young people to shape a better future for the planet. She previously served as Executive Officer of the IUCN World Commission on Protected Areas and as Programme Director of CoalitionWILD.

Together with Zacharia Mutinda Muteti, she co-founded the Eco-Jipe Programme in Kenya, a community-led initiative focused on human-wildlife coexistence and environmental education.

Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest updates 🔗 LINK IN BIO

“I want people to feel deeply uncomfortable with the status quo. I want someone scrolling their phone in Jakarta or London to see our grit and realize that if we can run 28 marathons to clean this up, they can rethink their own consumption or corporate operations.”

Whilst on his 57-day journey running from Bali to Jakarta, Sam, our first ever Iris Prize Winner shares more insight about his campaign, Run for Rivers 💚🌊

“Moreover, probably the most important legacy that I hope this run will have is inspiration. We can’t pretend that we will clean every river in Java and that we will single-handedly solve waste management. However, we can inspire students, local governments, and businesses to do their part in fixing this problem. It’s about highlighting the solutions and the importance of scaling those solutions. There is no time to waste.”

The Run for Rivers expedition ends this Sunday. Join, share, donate 📢 LINK IN BIO

“I want people to feel deeply uncomfortable with the status quo. I want someone scrolling their phone in Jakarta or London to see our grit and realize that if we can run 28 marathons to clean this up, they can rethink their own consumption or corporate operations.”

Whilst on his 57-day journey running from Bali to Jakarta, Sam, our first ever Iris Prize Winner shares more insight about his campaign, Run for Rivers 💚🌊

“Moreover, probably the most important legacy that I hope this run will have is inspiration. We can’t pretend that we will clean every river in Java and that we will single-handedly solve waste management. However, we can inspire students, local governments, and businesses to do their part in fixing this problem. It’s about highlighting the solutions and the importance of scaling those solutions. There is no time to waste.”

The Run for Rivers expedition ends this Sunday. Join, share, donate 📢 LINK IN BIO

“I want people to feel deeply uncomfortable with the status quo. I want someone scrolling their phone in Jakarta or London to see our grit and realize that if we can run 28 marathons to clean this up, they can rethink their own consumption or corporate operations.”

Whilst on his 57-day journey running from Bali to Jakarta, Sam, our first ever Iris Prize Winner shares more insight about his campaign, Run for Rivers 💚🌊

“Moreover, probably the most important legacy that I hope this run will have is inspiration. We can’t pretend that we will clean every river in Java and that we will single-handedly solve waste management. However, we can inspire students, local governments, and businesses to do their part in fixing this problem. It’s about highlighting the solutions and the importance of scaling those solutions. There is no time to waste.”

The Run for Rivers expedition ends this Sunday. Join, share, donate 📢 LINK IN BIO

“I want people to feel deeply uncomfortable with the status quo. I want someone scrolling their phone in Jakarta or London to see our grit and realize that if we can run 28 marathons to clean this up, they can rethink their own consumption or corporate operations.”

Whilst on his 57-day journey running from Bali to Jakarta, Sam, our first ever Iris Prize Winner shares more insight about his campaign, Run for Rivers 💚🌊

“Moreover, probably the most important legacy that I hope this run will have is inspiration. We can’t pretend that we will clean every river in Java and that we will single-handedly solve waste management. However, we can inspire students, local governments, and businesses to do their part in fixing this problem. It’s about highlighting the solutions and the importance of scaling those solutions. There is no time to waste.”

The Run for Rivers expedition ends this Sunday. Join, share, donate 📢 LINK IN BIO

“I want people to feel deeply uncomfortable with the status quo. I want someone scrolling their phone in Jakarta or London to see our grit and realize that if we can run 28 marathons to clean this up, they can rethink their own consumption or corporate operations.”

Whilst on his 57-day journey running from Bali to Jakarta, Sam, our first ever Iris Prize Winner shares more insight about his campaign, Run for Rivers 💚🌊

“Moreover, probably the most important legacy that I hope this run will have is inspiration. We can’t pretend that we will clean every river in Java and that we will single-handedly solve waste management. However, we can inspire students, local governments, and businesses to do their part in fixing this problem. It’s about highlighting the solutions and the importance of scaling those solutions. There is no time to waste.”

The Run for Rivers expedition ends this Sunday. Join, share, donate 📢 LINK IN BIO

🐝 “Working with bees has taught me that life’s greatest power resides in gentle persistence and profound linkage. As tiny as they might look, they represent the heartbeat of interconnectedness and demonstrate that strength emerges from relationship, not dominance, binding all beings in a shared destiny. In our mangrove ecosystem, for example, they help with pollination, to sustenance through providing honey and to overall landscape security. We really need to celebrate them, champion for them and protect them, for in their well-being lies our own!" - Steve Misati, Youth Pawa & The Iris Project Advisor

Happy World Bee Day! Bee together for people and the planet🌻

Subscribe to our newsletter and be the first one to learn about the IP26 shortlist🔗 LINK IN BIO

🐝 “Working with bees has taught me that life’s greatest power resides in gentle persistence and profound linkage. As tiny as they might look, they represent the heartbeat of interconnectedness and demonstrate that strength emerges from relationship, not dominance, binding all beings in a shared destiny. In our mangrove ecosystem, for example, they help with pollination, to sustenance through providing honey and to overall landscape security. We really need to celebrate them, champion for them and protect them, for in their well-being lies our own!" - Steve Misati, Youth Pawa & The Iris Project Advisor

Happy World Bee Day! Bee together for people and the planet🌻

Subscribe to our newsletter and be the first one to learn about the IP26 shortlist🔗 LINK IN BIO

🐝 “Working with bees has taught me that life’s greatest power resides in gentle persistence and profound linkage. As tiny as they might look, they represent the heartbeat of interconnectedness and demonstrate that strength emerges from relationship, not dominance, binding all beings in a shared destiny. In our mangrove ecosystem, for example, they help with pollination, to sustenance through providing honey and to overall landscape security. We really need to celebrate them, champion for them and protect them, for in their well-being lies our own!" - Steve Misati, Youth Pawa & The Iris Project Advisor

Happy World Bee Day! Bee together for people and the planet🌻

Subscribe to our newsletter and be the first one to learn about the IP26 shortlist🔗 LINK IN BIO

🐝 “Working with bees has taught me that life’s greatest power resides in gentle persistence and profound linkage. As tiny as they might look, they represent the heartbeat of interconnectedness and demonstrate that strength emerges from relationship, not dominance, binding all beings in a shared destiny. In our mangrove ecosystem, for example, they help with pollination, to sustenance through providing honey and to overall landscape security. We really need to celebrate them, champion for them and protect them, for in their well-being lies our own!" - Steve Misati, Youth Pawa & The Iris Project Advisor

Happy World Bee Day! Bee together for people and the planet🌻

Subscribe to our newsletter and be the first one to learn about the IP26 shortlist🔗 LINK IN BIO

🐝 “Working with bees has taught me that life’s greatest power resides in gentle persistence and profound linkage. As tiny as they might look, they represent the heartbeat of interconnectedness and demonstrate that strength emerges from relationship, not dominance, binding all beings in a shared destiny. In our mangrove ecosystem, for example, they help with pollination, to sustenance through providing honey and to overall landscape security. We really need to celebrate them, champion for them and protect them, for in their well-being lies our own!" - Steve Misati, Youth Pawa & The Iris Project Advisor

Happy World Bee Day! Bee together for people and the planet🌻

Subscribe to our newsletter and be the first one to learn about the IP26 shortlist🔗 LINK IN BIO

🐝 “Working with bees has taught me that life’s greatest power resides in gentle persistence and profound linkage. As tiny as they might look, they represent the heartbeat of interconnectedness and demonstrate that strength emerges from relationship, not dominance, binding all beings in a shared destiny. In our mangrove ecosystem, for example, they help with pollination, to sustenance through providing honey and to overall landscape security. We really need to celebrate them, champion for them and protect them, for in their well-being lies our own!" - Steve Misati, Youth Pawa & The Iris Project Advisor

Happy World Bee Day! Bee together for people and the planet🌻

Subscribe to our newsletter and be the first one to learn about the IP26 shortlist🔗 LINK IN BIO

🐝 “Working with bees has taught me that life’s greatest power resides in gentle persistence and profound linkage. As tiny as they might look, they represent the heartbeat of interconnectedness and demonstrate that strength emerges from relationship, not dominance, binding all beings in a shared destiny. In our mangrove ecosystem, for example, they help with pollination, to sustenance through providing honey and to overall landscape security. We really need to celebrate them, champion for them and protect them, for in their well-being lies our own!" - Steve Misati, Youth Pawa & The Iris Project Advisor

Happy World Bee Day! Bee together for people and the planet🌻

Subscribe to our newsletter and be the first one to learn about the IP26 shortlist🔗 LINK IN BIO

🐝 “Working with bees has taught me that life’s greatest power resides in gentle persistence and profound linkage. As tiny as they might look, they represent the heartbeat of interconnectedness and demonstrate that strength emerges from relationship, not dominance, binding all beings in a shared destiny. In our mangrove ecosystem, for example, they help with pollination, to sustenance through providing honey and to overall landscape security. We really need to celebrate them, champion for them and protect them, for in their well-being lies our own!" - Steve Misati, Youth Pawa & The Iris Project Advisor

Happy World Bee Day! Bee together for people and the planet🌻

Subscribe to our newsletter and be the first one to learn about the IP26 shortlist🔗 LINK IN BIO

🐝 “Working with bees has taught me that life’s greatest power resides in gentle persistence and profound linkage. As tiny as they might look, they represent the heartbeat of interconnectedness and demonstrate that strength emerges from relationship, not dominance, binding all beings in a shared destiny. In our mangrove ecosystem, for example, they help with pollination, to sustenance through providing honey and to overall landscape security. We really need to celebrate them, champion for them and protect them, for in their well-being lies our own!" - Steve Misati, Youth Pawa & The Iris Project Advisor

Happy World Bee Day! Bee together for people and the planet🌻

Subscribe to our newsletter and be the first one to learn about the IP26 shortlist🔗 LINK IN BIO

Last month, we partnered with the Global Fund for Children for an interactive Earth Day workshop at the Skoll Foundation World Forum & Marmalade Festival 🌎

Dipta, our Iris Prize 2023 Winner was there to share his journey with @liquify_bali. Here's what he had to say about this experience 👇
"I had the opportunity to speak at Marmalade and share the story behind Liquify and how it has grown over time. It was great to see how engaged people were, especially around the topic of youth being underfunded in the climate space. There was a real openness to listen, exchange ideas, and challenge perspectives. Overall, it was a very positive and inspiring experience with such a thoughtful and welcoming group of people."

Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest updates 🔗 LINK IN BIO

Last month, we partnered with the Global Fund for Children for an interactive Earth Day workshop at the Skoll Foundation World Forum & Marmalade Festival 🌎

Dipta, our Iris Prize 2023 Winner was there to share his journey with @liquify_bali. Here's what he had to say about this experience 👇
"I had the opportunity to speak at Marmalade and share the story behind Liquify and how it has grown over time. It was great to see how engaged people were, especially around the topic of youth being underfunded in the climate space. There was a real openness to listen, exchange ideas, and challenge perspectives. Overall, it was a very positive and inspiring experience with such a thoughtful and welcoming group of people."

Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest updates 🔗 LINK IN BIO

Last month, we partnered with the Global Fund for Children for an interactive Earth Day workshop at the Skoll Foundation World Forum & Marmalade Festival 🌎

Dipta, our Iris Prize 2023 Winner was there to share his journey with @liquify_bali. Here's what he had to say about this experience 👇
"I had the opportunity to speak at Marmalade and share the story behind Liquify and how it has grown over time. It was great to see how engaged people were, especially around the topic of youth being underfunded in the climate space. There was a real openness to listen, exchange ideas, and challenge perspectives. Overall, it was a very positive and inspiring experience with such a thoughtful and welcoming group of people."

Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest updates 🔗 LINK IN BIO

Last month, we partnered with the Global Fund for Children for an interactive Earth Day workshop at the Skoll Foundation World Forum & Marmalade Festival 🌎

Dipta, our Iris Prize 2023 Winner was there to share his journey with @liquify_bali. Here's what he had to say about this experience 👇
"I had the opportunity to speak at Marmalade and share the story behind Liquify and how it has grown over time. It was great to see how engaged people were, especially around the topic of youth being underfunded in the climate space. There was a real openness to listen, exchange ideas, and challenge perspectives. Overall, it was a very positive and inspiring experience with such a thoughtful and welcoming group of people."

Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest updates 🔗 LINK IN BIO

Last month, we partnered with the Global Fund for Children for an interactive Earth Day workshop at the Skoll Foundation World Forum & Marmalade Festival 🌎

Dipta, our Iris Prize 2023 Winner was there to share his journey with @liquify_bali. Here's what he had to say about this experience 👇
"I had the opportunity to speak at Marmalade and share the story behind Liquify and how it has grown over time. It was great to see how engaged people were, especially around the topic of youth being underfunded in the climate space. There was a real openness to listen, exchange ideas, and challenge perspectives. Overall, it was a very positive and inspiring experience with such a thoughtful and welcoming group of people."

Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest updates 🔗 LINK IN BIO

Last month, we partnered with the Global Fund for Children for an interactive Earth Day workshop at the Skoll Foundation World Forum & Marmalade Festival 🌎

Dipta, our Iris Prize 2023 Winner was there to share his journey with @liquify_bali. Here's what he had to say about this experience 👇
"I had the opportunity to speak at Marmalade and share the story behind Liquify and how it has grown over time. It was great to see how engaged people were, especially around the topic of youth being underfunded in the climate space. There was a real openness to listen, exchange ideas, and challenge perspectives. Overall, it was a very positive and inspiring experience with such a thoughtful and welcoming group of people."

Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest updates 🔗 LINK IN BIO

Last month, we partnered with the Global Fund for Children for an interactive Earth Day workshop at the Skoll Foundation World Forum & Marmalade Festival 🌎

Dipta, our Iris Prize 2023 Winner was there to share his journey with @liquify_bali. Here's what he had to say about this experience 👇
"I had the opportunity to speak at Marmalade and share the story behind Liquify and how it has grown over time. It was great to see how engaged people were, especially around the topic of youth being underfunded in the climate space. There was a real openness to listen, exchange ideas, and challenge perspectives. Overall, it was a very positive and inspiring experience with such a thoughtful and welcoming group of people."

Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest updates 🔗 LINK IN BIO

Last month, we partnered with the Global Fund for Children for an interactive Earth Day workshop at the Skoll Foundation World Forum & Marmalade Festival 🌎

Dipta, our Iris Prize 2023 Winner was there to share his journey with @liquify_bali. Here's what he had to say about this experience 👇
"I had the opportunity to speak at Marmalade and share the story behind Liquify and how it has grown over time. It was great to see how engaged people were, especially around the topic of youth being underfunded in the climate space. There was a real openness to listen, exchange ideas, and challenge perspectives. Overall, it was a very positive and inspiring experience with such a thoughtful and welcoming group of people."

Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest updates 🔗 LINK IN BIO

Last month, we partnered with the Global Fund for Children for an interactive Earth Day workshop at the Skoll Foundation World Forum & Marmalade Festival 🌎

Dipta, our Iris Prize 2023 Winner was there to share his journey with @liquify_bali. Here's what he had to say about this experience 👇
"I had the opportunity to speak at Marmalade and share the story behind Liquify and how it has grown over time. It was great to see how engaged people were, especially around the topic of youth being underfunded in the climate space. There was a real openness to listen, exchange ideas, and challenge perspectives. Overall, it was a very positive and inspiring experience with such a thoughtful and welcoming group of people."

Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest updates 🔗 LINK IN BIO

A warm welcome to Stanley, who is joining the IP26 judging panel from 🇳🇬! He is a creative technologist and the Founder of LightEd, a social enterprise transforming electronic and plastic waste into solar-powered solutions for off-grid and refugee communities across Africa. Stanley was a 2024 Iris Prize Runner-up.

Stanley has a deep understanding on the importance of funding youth-led projects, as throughout his work, he has reached over 30,000 people, expanding access to clean energy while advancing circular economy innovation.

Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest updates 🔗 LINK IN BIO

“A few days ago, while running past an industrial canal, a group of local children in school uniforms joined us. For these kids, a river filled with trash is their "normal." They have grown up seeing waterways as convenient landfills. Seeing their faces light up because we gave that forgotten river attention was the ultimate fuel. This 57-day trek is a wake-up call to prove that their "normal" can be changed and that their water deserves to be clear again.”

Sam, our Iris Prize 2022 winner shares wholesome updates from the road, whilst on a mission to run 1,260 km across Indonesia to raise $1 million to remove 1 million kg of trash from rivers to stop plastic from going into the ocean.

Follow his journey and donate to help reach his goal 🏃 LINKS IN BIO

#RunForRivers #Philanthropy

“A few days ago, while running past an industrial canal, a group of local children in school uniforms joined us. For these kids, a river filled with trash is their "normal." They have grown up seeing waterways as convenient landfills. Seeing their faces light up because we gave that forgotten river attention was the ultimate fuel. This 57-day trek is a wake-up call to prove that their "normal" can be changed and that their water deserves to be clear again.”

Sam, our Iris Prize 2022 winner shares wholesome updates from the road, whilst on a mission to run 1,260 km across Indonesia to raise $1 million to remove 1 million kg of trash from rivers to stop plastic from going into the ocean.

Follow his journey and donate to help reach his goal 🏃 LINKS IN BIO

#RunForRivers #Philanthropy

“A few days ago, while running past an industrial canal, a group of local children in school uniforms joined us. For these kids, a river filled with trash is their "normal." They have grown up seeing waterways as convenient landfills. Seeing their faces light up because we gave that forgotten river attention was the ultimate fuel. This 57-day trek is a wake-up call to prove that their "normal" can be changed and that their water deserves to be clear again.”

Sam, our Iris Prize 2022 winner shares wholesome updates from the road, whilst on a mission to run 1,260 km across Indonesia to raise $1 million to remove 1 million kg of trash from rivers to stop plastic from going into the ocean.

Follow his journey and donate to help reach his goal 🏃 LINKS IN BIO

#RunForRivers #Philanthropy

Earth Month 2026: What Are We Doing to Save Our Elements? 🌍

As April has come to an end, take a look at three testimonies from The Iris Project community.

💧 Water: Sam Bencheghib from Sungai Watch is running 57 days across Java to raise $1M for river cleanups — proving the plastic crisis is a logistics problem, not an impossible one.
Learn more about Sam’s Run for Rivers campaign and help Sungai Watch achieve their goal 🏃‍➡️ LINK IN BIO

🌱 Earth: Abubakarr Barrie's Tiwai Honey Initiative in Sierra Leone has protected 15+ hectares of forest and boosted bee populations by over 1 million — showing conservation and community thrive together.

💨 Air: Ankica Sokolić grew up breathing Skopje's smog, and found renewed hope in Breathe Mongolia - Clean Air Coalition's youth-led fight for clean air through education and policy advocacy.

Water, earth, air. They're taken for granted until they're gone. But young people around the world are refusing to let that happen.

Read the full blog 🔗 LINK IN BIO

#YouthClimateAction #YouthLed #YouthEmpowerment #ClimateJustice #EarthMonth