On December 9, 2006, eight individuals and one research group were named "Figures of Green China in 2006". The winners of this award were honored for their contributions to and influence on the country's environmental protection undertakings in 2006. The individual award winners were people from a range of backgrounds including government, non-governmental organizations, enterprise, and scientific research.

First launched in 2006, the award is co-sponsored by the State Environmental Protection Administration (SEPA) and six other government departments, and supported by the United Nations Environmental Program.

Nominations were made by the general public, and winners were selected based on the results of Internet votes, expert appraisal, a public opinion poll, and an assessment by a public review committee.