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News: Two women changemakers, P. Pechiyammal and Govindhammal, received the Dr. M.S. Swaminathan Award for Environment Protection 2026 in Chennai.
About Dr. M. S. Swaminathan Award for Environment Protection 2026
- It is a national award that recognises grassroots individuals, community champions, or organisations for outstanding environmental protection efforts.
- Instituted By: It is instituted by M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF).
- Partners: The award is presented in partnership with CavinKare Pvt. Ltd. and the Rotary Club of Madras East.
- Objective: The award recognises and encourages grassroots leaders who preserve natural ecosystems, clean marine pollution, promote climate-resilient farming, and maintain a balance between development and ecological conservation.
- Eligibility:
- It is open to individuals, local community workers, smallholder farmers, fisherfolk, and non-governmental organisations across India.
- Candidates must demonstrate measurable improvements in marine waste management, sustainable farming, seed preservation, or biodiversity restoration.
Recipients of Dr. M.S. Swaminathan Award for Environment Protection 2026:
- P. Pechiyammal:
- Region: She belongs to Ramanathapuram, Tamil Nadu.
- Field: She works in marine conservation and ocean plastic management.
- Contribution: She led community efforts to remove abandoned fishing nets from coastal waters and shorelines.
- Her work helped protect coral reefs, turtles, and fish by reducing ghost-net entanglement.
- Govindhammal:
- Region: She belongs to Villupuram, Tamil Nadu.
- Field: She works in sustainable and climate-resilient agriculture.
- Contribution: She promoted organic farming, improved soil health, and encouraged climate-resilient agricultural practices.
- She also strengthened Farmer Producer Companies, which improved the bargaining power of farmers and helped them get better returns for their produce.
