A GROUP led by a former Artlets professor is among the finalists for this year’s Earthshot Prize, a distinction that recognizes individuals or organizations working on solutions to pressing global environmental issues.
Mother Earth Foundation (MEF), led by Prof. Arlen Ancheta, was recognized for its community-run zero-waste systems that seek to prevent plastic and organic waste from reaching landfills, waterways and the ocean.
The foundation is a finalist under the “Build a Waste-Free World” category, which focuses on reducing food loss, phasing out single-use and non-recycled plastics and promoting recycling in industries.
“Being named a finalist for the Earthshot Prize affirms the MEF’s commitment to scaling up zero-waste models that communities and local governments can replicate to build more resilient communities,” Ancheta told The Flame.
The non-governmental organization is the only Southeast Asian group listed in the category. Ancheta said the strength of the foundation’s model lies in its practicality and replicability.
“MEF empowers households, communities, waste workers, and local governments to work together in establishing decentralized, inclusive, and ecological waste management systems,” she said.
One of the foundation’s programs, developed with the city government of San Fernando in Pampanga, has achieved up to 89% waste diversion, according to Ancheta.
Ancheta currently works as a professor at the UST Graduate School and a researcher at the UST Research Center on Social Sciences and Education.
The two other finalists in the category are South Korea’s Zero Waste Movement Network and France’s PFAS-Free France.
Aside from the “Build a Waste-Free World” category, the 2026 Earthshot Awards will recognize organizations and initiatives addressing environmental challenges across five categories: Protect & Restore Nature, Clean Our Air, Revive Our Oceans and Fix Our Climate.
The winners will be announced in Mumbai, India, on Nov. 17, with five winners receiving a prize of €1 million.
The Earthshot Prize is regarded as one of the world’s leading environmental awards. Founded by Prince William in 2020, the award aims to find solutions to environmental issues by 2030. F—with reports from Rovy Jilyn Fraginal
