HEDA Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju awarded the 2025 global Scientists award

Olanrewaju Suraju, the Chair of the Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre), has been honored with the 2025 Courageous Scientists Award for Environmental and Climate Justice from Africa. This international accolade is presented by the Vienna-based Forum Eco-Social Transformations.

Suraju was recognized as one of six global winners selected from 22 nominees spanning Africa, Asia, Australia/Oceania, Europe, Latin America, and North America. Established in 2025, the award celebrates individuals who exhibit remarkable bravery and dedication to environmental preservation, climate justice, and species conservation, often despite significant personal risks.

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The organizers highlighted Suraju’s “exceptional and inspiring work, long-standing fight against corruption, and strong commitment to human rights,” particularly in his role at HEDA Resource Centre. This recognition resonates with the award’s motto, “Tell the Truth!”, which honors those who boldly address environmental and justice issues.

Other recipients of the 2025 award include: from Asia, eight Iranian scientists from the Persian Wildlife Foundation, who were arrested in 2018 for conservation efforts; from Australia/Oceania, Cynthia Houniuhi of Vanuatu, President of the Pacific Islands Students Fighting Club; from Europe, Dr. Elisa Privitera, an Italian urban and environmental planner at the University of Toronto Scarborough; from Latin America, Olivia Bisa Tirko, President of the Autonomous Territorial Government of the Chapra Nation in Peru; and from North America, Dr. Rose Abramoff, an earth scientist at the University of Maine, USA.

The winners were chosen by an International Jury of six experts in environmental economics, climate science, Indigenous rights advocacy, urban planning, and ecological research. Oversight of the selection process was managed by a five-member Scientific Advisory Board based in Vienna, led by Dr. Ernst Fürlinger.

In a notable instance, the Scientific Advisory Board offered the prize to two researchers from different Asian countries who, despite expressing gratitude, declined it due to the potential dangers and risks associated with receiving such recognition.

The award was established by Austrian architectural historian and climate advocate Dr. Norbert Mayr, who emphasized Suraju’s ongoing dedication to environmental justice and accountability.

In response to the award, Suraju expressed that it serves as a motivation to persist in advocating for transparency and climate responsibility. He dedicated the accolade to Africa’s environmental defenders and civil society actors operating under difficult circumstances. He criticized the dire environmental and human rights situation in the Niger Delta, accusing State Authorities, international oil companies, and host countries of complicity in the degradation of what has become one of the world’s most polluted regions due to oil extraction.

The public award ceremony took place on November 15, 2025, in Vienna, with participants joining both in person and online.