The UNDP-led Equator Initiative has announced its global call for nominations for the Equator Prize 2021 on the eve of the Earth Day.
This 12th cycle of the UNDP Equator Prize will focus on local communities and Indigenous groups in rural areas that have developed innovative, nature-based solutions for sustainable food systems to fight climate change and loss of biodiversity, towards advancing a green economy. The Equator Initiative is a UNDP-led partnership that brings together the UN, governments, civil society, businesses and grassroots organizations to advance local sustainable development solutions for people, nature and resilient communities. The partners include the Governments of Germany (BMZ), Norway (NORAD) and Sweden (Sida); Conservation International; Convention on Biological Diversity; One Earth, Tribal Link Foundation, Eco agriculture Partners; Fordham University; International Union for Conservation of Nature; The Nature Conservancy; PCI-Media Impact; Rare; UN Environment; UN Foundation; the Wildlife Conservation Society, the World Wildlife Fund (WWF).
Thematic Priorities
Under the theme of ‘Solving our Planetary Crisis’, winning initiatives will be honoured under three thematic priorities:
- Action on Sustainable Food Systems: Protection, restoration and/or sustainable management of natural and agricultural ecosystems for food security.
- Action on Climate: Protection, restoration and/or sustainable management of ecosystems that help mitigate greenhouse gas emissions, and/or help communities adapt to the impacts of climate change.
- Action on Nature and Green Economy: Protection, restoration and/or sustainable management of terrestrial or marine ecosystems, biodiversity, and/or wildlife that enables sustainable and green livelihoods, enterprises, and jobs, including Indigenous economies.
Special consideration will be given to nominees working on ecosystem integrity and intactness, water security, disaster risk reduction, advocacy for land and water rights, social and environmental justice, and gender equality.
Award Information
Each Equator Prize winner will receive USD 10,000 and will be supported to participate virtually in a series of policy dialogues and special events in the Fall of 2021.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the Equator Prize 2021:
- The initiative must have been in existence for at least three years, and/or the actions taken must have been in place for at least three years.
- The nominee must be either a local community-based initiative, operating in a rural area, based in a country receiving support from the United Nations Development Programme; or an initiative led by Indigenous peoples in any country, operating in a rural area.
- The actions taken by the nominee must be nature-based, and must deliver benefits related to two or more Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
For more information, visit https://www.undp.org/content/undp/en/home/news-centre/news/2021/call-for-nominations–equator-prize-2021.html
