A global search for nature-based local solutions for sustainable development
The Equator Initiative announces a global call for nominations for the Equator Prize 2017. This year’s prize will be awarded to outstanding community and indigenous initiatives that are advancing nature-based solutions for local sustainable development. The Equator Prize winners will join a prestigious network of 208 community-based organizations from 70 countries that have been awarded the Equator Prize since 2002. Each winning group will receive USD 10,000 and will be invited to participate in a series of policy dialogues and special events during the United Nations General Assembly in New York in September 2017, culminating in an award ceremony at the beginning of Climate Week.
In celebration of its 15th anniversary, the Equator Initiative will also launch a web portal of local nature-based solutions to sustainable development. The platform will serve to connect communities around the world and share local solutions that work. Participation in this platform is optional when submitting nominations for the Equator Prize.
Nature for development
This year’s Equator Prize winners will feature innovative solutions related to protecting, restoring and/or sustainably managing nature to achieve local sustainable development, such as food security, water security, sustainable jobs and livelihoods, and disaster risk reduction. Crosscutting issues include advocacy for land and water rights, social and environmental justice, and gender equality. The selection of winners will emphasize replicability and scalability of community initiatives to achieve progress on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Local communities from rural areas in 145 countries are eligible to be nominated. For the first time, nominations are open to indigenous peoples’ groups from any country, operating in rural areas. For full eligibility requirements and selection criteria, please click here.
Submit nominations for the Equator Prize 2017
To access the online nomination system, please visit prize.equatorinitiative.org
Nominations may be submitted in Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Indonesian, Portuguese, Russian, or Spanish.
Nominations must be submitted by 8 March 2017.