Seventeen-year-old Amara Nwuneli has won the 2025 Earth Prize and a $12,500 award by converting a Lagos dumping ground into a playground using recycled materials. Her initiative aims to build three more parks across Nigeria, promoting environmental awareness and community engagement.
A Vision Born from Personal Experience
In 2020, devastating floods displaced Amara’s family in Lagos, igniting her passion for environmental issues. Determined to make a difference, she founded Preserve Our Roots, a youth-led NGO focused on climate action. The organization produced a documentary on Africa’s climate crisis and transformed a neglected site in Ikota, Lagos, into a vibrant park featuring flood-resistant trees and play equipment made from reclaimed materials.
Addressing Urban Green Space Deficits
Lagos, a bustling metropolis of 17 million, offers less than 3% green space. Amara’s project not only provides recreational areas but also educates the public on environmental sustainability. Her efforts contribute to mitigating urban heat and fostering community cohesion.
Expanding the Green Initiative
With the $12,500 Earth Prize, Amara plans to develop three additional parks in Lagos and neighboring states of Ogun and Oyo. These parks will serve as multifunctional hubs, featuring gardens, greenhouses, and waste collection centers, aiming to inspire environmental consciousness and resilience.
Long-Term Aspirations
Amara envisions creating a “Central Park” for Lagos, symbolizing a commitment to environmental stewardship and community well-being. Her journey from personal loss to leading impactful environmental projects exemplifies the potential of youth-led initiatives in driving sustainable change.
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