About the Awards
The Pacific Islands Environmental Leadership Awards (PIELA) recognise outstanding contributions to nature conservation across the Pacific. Established in 2018, PIELA celebrates the people and projects whose work safeguards Pacific biodiversity, builds climate resilience, and advances Indigenous-led stewardship.
Awards are decided annually by a panel of PIRT member organisations, drawn from open public nominations. Past winners include leaders from Fiji, Samoa, Vanuatu, Tonga, the Solomon Islands, and Papua New Guinea.
Four awards · one regional programme
Each award category targets a different dimension of Pacific conservation. Nominations open to individuals and organisations across the 22 PICTs.
Excellence in Environmental Law
Recognises significant contribution to environmental law reform and enforcement at national or regional level.
Previous winner: Sir Ronald Toito'ona (2024)
Policy Innovation
For an innovative policy or programme that advances Pacific Islands biodiversity and climate resilience.
Previous winner: Vanuatu Department of Forestry (2024)
Youth Environmental Leader
Honours an outstanding young Pacific Islander leading biodiversity work in their community or region.
Previous winner: Aisha Tukuoa (2023)
Lifetime Contribution
Recognises sustained contribution to Pacific nature conservation over a decade or more.
Previous winner: Dr Sina Tagaloa (2022)
PIELA 2026 — key dates
- 1 June 2026 — Public nominations open
- 30 June 2026 — Nominations close
- 15 August 2026 — Shortlist announced
- 10 September 2026 — Awards ceremony at the 11th Pacific Conference, Noumea
Submit a PIELA nomination
Nominations open 1 June 2026 and close 30 June 2026. Use the nomination form linked from the PIRT contact page during the open window.