Recognizing Oustanding Local Efforts for Poverty Reduction and
Biodiversity Conservation in the Tropics

Presented at a gala Awards Ceremony at the World Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg, the Equator Prize 2002 recognized seven outstanding communities from the tropics for their exceptional efforts to reduce poverty and conserve and sustainably use biodiversity. Selected by an eminent international Jury of respected dignitaries, advised by a Technical Advisory Committee, the Equator Prize 2002 laureates were drawn from over 420 nominations from 77 countries.

Together with 20 other finalists for the Prize, the winners were invited to the World Summit in South Africa to receive their award and participate in the Community Kraal - a dialogue space where community members could exchange ideas and lessons and influence world leaders and policy makers attending the summit. As the most outstanding examples of the types of community-led partnerships that are best able to tackle the planet's most pressing development challenges, including poverty and biodiversity loss, the Equator Prize 2002 finalists and winners had a profound impact on visitors and delegates to the World Summit. Through their successful local efforts to reduce poverty and conserve biodiversity, these communities are helping to create a more sustainable future for us all.

The Equator Initiative salutes all of the 420 nominees for the Equator Prize 2002.

Equator Prize 2002 Winners
On August 30th, 2002 seven outstanding communities received the Equator Prize 2002 at an international awards ceremony at the World Summit on Sustainable Development, Johannesburg.

Live From Johannesburg:
The Equator Prize 2002 Awards Ceremony was broadcast live on 30 August 2002.
Click here for archived footage.

The Community Kraal: Community Voices at the World Summit The finalists for the Equator Prize 2002 participate in the Community Kraal, a showcase at the WSSD for community successes in achieving sustainable developement.