The Equator Initiative is a partnership that brings together the United Nations, governments, civil society, businesses, and grassroots organizations to build the capacity and raise the profile of local efforts to reduce poverty through the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity.

Started in 2002, the Equator Initiative evolved in response to: the fact that the world’s greatest concentrations of biodiversity are found in countries also beset by the world’s most acute poverty; and the evolving trend of local leadership in advancing innovative projects in biodiversity conservation and poverty reduction.

As sustainable community initiatives take root throughout the tropics, they are laying the foundation for a global movement of local successes that are collectively making a significant contribution to achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), as well as adapting to and mitigating the effects of climate change.

The Equator Initiative is dedicated to:

• Celebrating successful local initiatives
• Creating opportunities for sharing community experiences and good practice
• Informing policy and fostering an enabling environment for local action
• Building the capacity of grassroots organizations to deliver results and scale-up impact