The Equator Initiative team would like to offer their appreciation to the many individuals and organizations that have provided the continued support, guidance and wisdom to launch this programme.

In particular we wish to acknowledge:

• An incredible team of Programme Assistants, from around the world, who have worked with the Equator Initiative since its inception. Together this group has brought vitality and creativity to the project's work and have enlivened it with energy and a sense of optimism. Their work is reflected in all of the products and events of the Equator Initiative and we are truly grateful for their dedicated service.
  
  
• Etel Carmona, a master designer from S¾o Paulo, Brazil, for the incredible craftsmanship she put into designing and creating the seven trophies for the Equator Prize 2002. These works of art were hand- crafted from sustainably harvested amazonian hardwoods and reflect the bond between humanity and nature. The recipients of the Equator Prize 2002 and the Equator Initiative partnership are truly grateful to Etel for her generous contribution.
  
  
• Zoological Society of London for their generosity and professionalism in preparing and carrying out the Equator Initiative workshop entitled "Biodiversity and The Poor" held at the London Zoo, 20 March 2002.
  
  
• Institute for Leadership Development in Toronto, Canada, for providing a team of young Canadians who have worked on this initiative with dedication, passion and professionalism.
  
  
• Wheels4Life and its founder Hans Rey for their continued efforts in providing bicycles as an alternative option of transportation to our Equator Prize finalists and diverse other communities in developing countries. Their dedication and commitment to enhancing the life of individuals through the gift of mobility has not gone unnoticed and is highly appreciated.
  
  
• Sony for their generosity in donating five camcorders to the 2006 Equator Prize winners. Sony’s invaluable support will give the five winning communities the opportunity to capture their remarkable work on the ground on film, thus enabling them to potentially disseminate their outstanding achievements in poverty reduction and biodiversity conservation to audiences around the globe. Sony’s gracious support and commitment to enhance the multi-media capabilities of the Equator Prize winners is highly valued.