In a landmark moment for India, senior Tamil Nadu IAS officer Supriya Sahu has been awarded the prestigious 2025 UN Champions of the Earth award — the highest environmental honour conferred by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). Recognised under the category Inspiration and Action, Sahu’s work stands as a compelling example of how visionary leadership can reshape environmental governance and climate resilience.
A Lifelong Bond With Nature
Sahu’s relationship with nature began early in her childhood as her family travelled across India for her father’s work. Over the years, that affection blossomed into a deep commitment to the environment. Her admiration for elephants — symbols of harmony, strength, and family ties — is evident in her social media posts, where she often highlights wildlife conservation stories and ecological insights.
A Career Dedicated to Protecting India’s Ecosystems
Across her 30-year civil services career, Sahu has held critical roles, most notably as the Additional Chief Secretary of the Tamil Nadu Environment, Climate Change, and Forests Department for more than four years. Her tenure has been marked by bold decisions, innovative climate projects, and people-centric environmental reforms.
A turning point came during her time as District Collector of the Nilgiris, where she witnessed animals consuming plastic waste. That moment, she recalls, “changed everything” — sparking her resolve to fight plastic pollution and safeguard fragile ecosystems.
Why the UN Chose Supriya Sahu for the Champions of the Earth Award
According to UNEP, Sahu was honoured for her groundbreaking climate leadership, especially in:
Subnational climate action
Restoring degraded ecosystems
Scaling sustainable cooling solutions
Strengthening climate resilience for millions
Her climate governance model combines science-driven action, community participation, and a powerful blend of low-tech and high-tech innovations.
The UN notes that her initiatives have:
Created millions of green jobs
Strengthened resilience for 12 million people
Expanded forest cover and mangrove ecosystems
climate solutions
Positioned Tamil Nadu as a global leader in nature-based climate solutions
Major Initiatives Led by Supriya Sahu
Operation Blue Mountain (2000)
Decades before plastic pollution became a mainstream issue, Sahu launched a mission in the Nilgiris to eliminate single-use plastic. The campaign became a pioneering model for India’s later anti-plastic drive.
Cool Roof Project
A large-scale passive cooling initiative implemented across 200 government “green schools”, designed to combat urban heat and reduce energy consumption.
Massive Forest Restoration Efforts
Under her leadership, Tamil Nadu:
Planted over 100 million trees
Established 65 new reserve forests
Expanded wetlands from 1 to 20
Doubled its mangrove cover
Launched a $60 million Endangered Species Conservation Fund
Nature-First Urban Planning in Chennai
Sahu is steering policies that restore natural landscapes, rehabilitate water waterways, and integrate ecological thinking into city planning.
A Leader Who Draws Strength from People
While accepting the award in Nairobi, Sahu acknowledged the contributions of villagers, youth, and conservation workers who supported her missions. “My inspiration comes from people who stood by me… and from the children who look up with hope in their eyes,” she shared
A Legacy That Will Inspire Generations
Supriya Sahu’s recognition by the UN is not just an individual achievement — it places Tamil Nadu and India on the map as leaders in sustainable development. Her journey proves that environmental change begins with belief, action, and collective responsibility.