Robert Irwin announces new role for Prince William’s ‘Earthshot’ awards

Australian TV star Robert Irwin, son of the late wildlife expert Steve Irwin, is stepping up his partnership with Prince William to jointly tackle environmental threats.

The conservationist has been named a global ambassador for the Prince William Earth Challenge Prize, marking the latest step in his ongoing support of the initiative, which seeks solutions to some of the world’s most pressing environmental challenges.

Owen, 20, attended the Earthshot Awards in Singapore last year and has been a strong advocate for the initiative since its inception. Now, he joins South African actress and humanitarian Nomzamo Mbatha as one of the inaugural Earthshot global ambassadors, working to further expand the award’s mission.

Inspired by his late father, Irwin, his sister Bindi Irwin, 26, and other family members passionately support their animal conservation foundation, Wildlife Warriors, and work to protect endangered species through Australia Zoo.

Prince William’s Earthshot Prize celebrates groundbreaking ideas and innovations that heal the planet, rewarding leaders, entrepreneurs and businesses in five key categories: protecting and restoring nature, cleaning our air, reviving our oceans, and building a waste-free world and repairing our environment.

Owen said in a statement that he was “honored to join Nomzamo… to help bring greater attention to the inspiring changemakers who are saving our planet.”

“The EarthStruggle Prize is a beacon of hope for all of us who care about the environment and our ability to secure a liveable future for ourselves and future generations. Healthy oceans, ecosystems and species equal a healthy planet,” he added The Award recognizes the importance of investing in and helping to develop solutions that protect these critical resources. I’m honored to join Nomzamo as one of the first Earthshot Global Ambassadors to help bring more attention to the inspiring changemakers who are saving the planet.

Last year, while supporting the third annual Earthshot Awards in Singapore, Owen expressed his deep admiration for Prince William, 42, telling People: “It’s hard to put into words Earthshot’s commitment to wildlife conservation, Climate action, how much of an impact the world has. For Prince William, who has such a great platform, to be able to use his own voice and use his resources to create positive change, that’s a refreshing and wonderful thing that I’m excited about. Appreciate what he did.

Their participation coincides with the Earth Shooting Awards announcing the expansion of its Board of Directors with new members, who will help select this year’s winners. Joining the committee are humanitarian and restaurateur José Andrés, environmentalist and activist Wanjira Mathai, and indigenous activist and author Nemont Nankimo Nemonte Nenquimo ). They will work alongside Prince William and existing members including Queen Rania of Jordan, actress Cate Blanchett, broadcasting legend Sir David Attenborough, business leader Indra Nooyi and designer Stella · McCartney.

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The upcoming Earthshot Awards ceremony will be held in Cape Town, South Africa this November. The event will award $1.3 million to organizations or individuals offering innovative solutions to the planet’s most pressing challenges, providing them with the support they need to scale their ideas.