Colombian activist Yuvelis Morales Blanco has been awarded the 2026 Goldman Environmental Prize for her efforts to stop fracking in her hometown of Puerto Wilches. Morales Blanco, a 24-year-old university student, began her campaign by knocking on her neighbors' doors to raise awareness about the risks of fracking. Her efforts led to the halt of two pilot fracking projects, Kalé and Platero, and a landmark court ruling that upheld the rights of her Afro-Colombian community to have a say in the decision-making process. The Magdalena River, which flows through Puerto Wilches, is a vital source of food, income, and identity for the town's 30,000 residents. However, the region has a history of oil spills, with over 40% of Ecopetrol's more than 2,000 oil spills occurring in the area between 2015 and 2022. A major leak in 2018 displaced 100 families and killed thousands of fish, further heightening concerns about the impact of fracking. Morales Blanco's campaign was successful in stopping any further fracking projects in the region, with the Constitutional Court ruling in favor of her community's rights. Her work has been recognized with the prestigious Goldman Environmental Prize, which honors grassroots environmental leaders from around the world. Morales Blanco's story is a testament to the power of community-led activism and the importance of protecting the environment. Her efforts have not only safeguarded the Magdalena River but also inspired others to take action in defense of their communities and the planet.