Seven grassroots environmental activists from each of the world’s six inhabited continental regions have been honoured with the Goldman Environmental Prize, the world’s foremost award for grassroots environmental activists.

Founded in 1989 in San Francisco by philanthropists Rhoda and Richard Goldman, the Prize has honoured 226 winners—including 102 women—from 95 nations. Many have gone on to positions as government officials, heads of state, NGO leaders, and Nobel Prize laureates.

“These wonderful grassroots leaders refused to be complacent in the face of adversity, or to be cowed by powerful corporations and governments,” said John Goldman, president of the Goldman Environmental Foundation. “Alone, their achievements across the world are impressive. Together, they are a collective force—and a growing global movement—that is breathtaking and full of hope. From San Francisco to Sao Paulo to the Wild Coast of South Africa, we are a global community.”