NAT Champions

Nature is sacred: our first teacher and our oldest home. For generations, Indigenous and local communities have listened to her wisdom and lived in rhythm with her seasons. In partnering with THE NAT, I hope we rekindle that reverence and raise the support needed to invest in their guardianship and what has long sustained us.

Wanjira Mathai · Managing Director for Africa and Global Partnerships, World Resources Institute; former Chair of the Green Belt Movement (founded by her mother, Nobel Laureate Wangari Maathai).

I'm excited for the climate community to finally acknowledge and embrace nature as one of the most important climate solutions. My elders have always said that the stewardship of nature is a collective duty, but it's also a gift… that of developing deep connection and purpose.

Xiye Bastida · Co-Founder and Executive Director, Re-Earth Initiative; Planetary Guardian; UN High-Level Champion Ambassador.

I'm thrilled to join the NAT initiative to help drive awareness and funding for nature-based solutions. This aligns perfectly with Coral Gardeners' mission to revolutionize ocean conservation by uniting creative forces and the influence of sectors like science, business, fashion, and culture to make a real impact for our blue planet.

Titouan Bernicot · Founder and CEO, Coral Gardeners.

Nature doesn't exist in isolation from culture – it inspires our best art, and provides the foundation for all creative expression. THE NAT represents a powerful recognition that those of us who have been given platforms in fashion, music and art have a responsibility to use our voices for the planet that sustains us all.

Sabrina Dhowre Elba · Actor, Model & Advocate; UN Goodwill Ambassador for IFAD; co-founder of S'Able Labs.

Even if you never have the chance to see or touch the ocean, the ocean touches you with every breath you take, every drop of water you drink, every bite you consume. Everyone, everywhere is inextricably connected to and utterly dependent upon the existence of the sea.

Sylvia Earle · Oceanographer and explorer; founder of Mission Blue; National Geographic Explorer at Large; first female chief scientist of NOAA; honored at THE NAT Gala 2025.