The recipients will split the $270,000 cash award founded by Swedish-German philanthropist Jakob von Uexkull in 1980 to recognize work he felt was being ignored by the Nobel Prizes.
Nigeria's Nnimmo Bassey, 42, chairman of Friends of the Earth International and director of Environmental Rights Action in Nigeria, was honored for standing up "against the practices of multinational corporations in his country and the environmental devastation they leave behind."
It also recognized Catholic Bishop Erwin Kraeutler, 71, for his "lifetime of work for the human and environmental rights of indigenous peoples" in Brazil and for his "tireless efforts to save the Amazon forest from destruction."
The jury also honored 65-year-old Shrikrishna Upadhyay for his persistent fight against poverty in Nepal, "even when threatened by political violence and instability."
Upadhyay founded the organization Support Activities for Poor Producers of Nepal, through which he has helped build hundreds of water systems, rural roads and schools in Nepal. He has also set up micro-credit systems to support local communities.
The organization Physicians for Human Rights Israel was included among the winners for its "indomitable spirit in working for the right to health for all people in Israel and Palestine."
The PHRIA, which was founded in 1988, uses mobile clinics to bring health services to Israelis and Palestinians.
Ole Von Uexkull said he sees award as a complement to the Nobel Prizes, which are awarded for achievements in science, peace, literature and economics. The awards will be presented in a ceremony at the Swedish Parliament on Dec. 6, four days before the Nobel Prizes are handed out.
