Excellence in Environmental Law
Outstanding legal practice — litigation, drafting, or advisory work that has measurably advanced environmental protection in the Pacific.
Pacific Islands Environmental Law Awards
A PacNEL-led recognition programme celebrating outstanding leadership in environmental law and policy across Pacific Island countries and territories. The 2026 laureates will be announced at the 11th Pacific Islands Conference in Noumea.
About the Awards
The PIELA awards recognise environmental lawyers, policy makers, and advocates whose work has measurably advanced environmental protection across the Pacific.
You can nominate yourself, a colleague, an institution, or a community initiative. Pacific Indigenous and youth nominations are strongly encouraged.
Four awards · one regional programme
Each PIELA category is judged independently by the PacNEL panel, with weighting for Pacific impact, originality and equity.
Policy Innovation
Pioneering policy or regulatory frameworks that have created lasting change in environmental governance.
Youth Environmental Lawyer
Early-career Pacific lawyers (under 35) showing exceptional promise and impact in environmental law.
Lifetime Contribution
Sustained career-long service to Pacific environmental law and policy across multiple decades.
PIELA 2026 — key dates
- 1 Apr 2026 — Nominations open
- 30 Jun 2026 — Nominations close (23:59 Apia time)
- 15 Aug 2026 — Shortlist announced
- 10 Sep 2026 — Awards ceremony — PIC11, Noumea
Submit a PIELA nomination
Nominations close 30 June 2026 (23:59 Apia time). The independent panel reviews nominations under each category.
Recent PIELA recipients
No laureates announced yet — the inaugural cohort will be revealed at PIC11.