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PIELA

Pacific Islands Environmental Law Awards

Recognising outstanding environmental law, policy and justice work across Pacific Island countries and territories.

About the Awards

The Pacific Islands Environmental Law Awards (PIELA) are a PacNEL-led recognition programme for individuals, institutions and community initiatives advancing environmental law, governance and justice across Pacific Island countries and territories.

PIELA nominations can recognise legal practice, policy innovation, early-career Pacific lawyers and sustained lifetime contribution. Self-nominations are welcome, and Pacific Indigenous and youth nominations are strongly encouraged.

Key dates 2026

1 April 2026: nominations open.
30 June 2026: nominations close at 23:59 Apia time.
15 August 2026: shortlist announced.
10 September 2026: awards ceremony at PIC11 in Noumea.

Submit a nomination See past laureates

Four Environmental Law Award categories

Recognising Pacific environmental law, policy and justice work across four independent categories. Nominations are open to individuals, institutions and community initiatives across all 22 PICTs.

Excellence in Environmental Law

Outstanding legal practice, litigation, drafting or advisory work that has measurably advanced environmental protection in the Pacific.

Policy Innovation

Pioneering policy, governance or regulatory frameworks that create lasting change for environmental protection and biodiversity outcomes.

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.

Submit a nomination

Submit a PIELA nomination

Nominations for the 2026 PIELA awards are open until 30 June 2026 (23:59 Apia time). Self-nominations welcome - Pacific Indigenous and youth nominations are strongly encouraged.

Nomination category

Nominee name

Nominee affiliation / organisation

Where the nominee works or which institution they represent.

Nominee country

Why does this nominee deserve the award?

Up to 600 words. Cover (1) what the nominee has done, (2) why it matters for the Pacific, (3) how it aligns with the category criteria.

Your name

Your email

Your organisation

Your country

Your relationship to the nominee

e.g. colleague, supervisor, peer, self-nomination, community member.

Supporting letter (PDF, max 10 MB)

Upload a supporting letter or evidence document as a PDF.

Latest cycle

Recent PIELA recipients

E2026Excellence in Environmental Law

E2E PIELA Nominee 1778814189

Fiji

M2024Policy Innovation

Maria Bairol Reuteni

Federated States of Micronesia

T2024Youth Environmental Lawyer

To Tutuvi

Cook Islands

See all laureates →