Equator Prize 2008 Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I find out if my community initiative or project is located in an area that is eligible for the award?

Eligible initiatives must be located in a developing country that is located in the Equatorial belt, 23.5º latitude North and South of the equator. Click here for a list of eligible countries. 

2. How can I nominate a community initiative or project?

Online: Online nomination forms are encouraged and are available here.   

Mail:  Printable nomination forms are also available here and may be sent in via post to:

Equator Initiative
405 Lexington Avenue, 5th Floor
New York, NY 10174
USA

E-mail:  Send complete nomination forms to the Equator Initiative office by email: equatorinitiative@undp.org

3. What languages is the nomination form available in?

The nomination form is available in English, French, Portuguese and Spanish, and for the first time, also in Hindi. But submissions will be accepted in English, French, Portuguese or Spanish only.

4. Must I fill out the nomination form in English?

No.  The nomination form is available and can be completed in English, French, Portuguese or Spanish.

5. What are the selection criteria for the awards?

Criteria for the awards recipients are the ability to demonstrate:

• Impact
• Partnerships
• Sustainability
• Innovation and transferability
• Leadership and community empowerment
• Gender equality and social inclusion

Click here for elaboration on selection criteria. 

6. What will the winners receive?

Twenty-five community organizations will be honored with the Equator Prize 2008 and US$5,000 each. Five of these communities will receive special recognition and an additional US $15,000. Special recognition will be given in the following categories: one for each region of eligibility (Africa, Asia and the Pacific, and Latin America and the Caribbean), one to the initiative that best exemplifies community approaches to adapt to climate change, and one to the initiative that best exemplifies the conservation of agricultural biodiversity.

7.  Do nominees need to demonstrate community approaches to adaptation to climate change or the conservation of agricultural biodiversity?

No. Nominees only need to demonstrate approaches to adaptation to climate change or approaches to the conservation of agricultural biodiversity if they choose to be considered for special recognition in those categories.

8. What kinds of community initiatives or projects are eligible?

Nominations may be submitted for:

• Community-based organizations;
• Community-based enterprises;
• Indigenous groups;
• Non-governmental organizations; and
• Initiatives associated with a community-conserved area or other biological reserve.