The Equator Prize is awarded to recognize and celebrate outstanding community efforts to reduce poverty through the conservation of biodiversity. 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).

Twenty-five winners will be selected from a field of finalists to receive the Equator Prize 2010 and US$5,000 each. Five of these communities will receive special recognition and an additional US$15,000. In addition to worldwide recognition for their work as well as an opportunity to help shape national and global policy and practice in the field, all nominees for the Prize become part of the Equator Initiative’s global network and are profiled in the Equator Initiative biodiversity best practice database.

Special recognition will be given in the following categories: one for each region of eligibility (Africa, Asia and the Pacific, Latin America and the Caribbean), one to the initiative that best exemplifies Indigenous Peoples’ use of Traditional Knowledge, and one to the initiative that best exemplifies ecosystem-based adaptation to climate change.

Dates to Remember:

Submission Deadline: February 28, 2010

Due to the large number of nominations we receive, we are unable to give substantive feedback on individual nominations prior to the submission deadline. Please contact us if you have any questions about the nomination process. Click here for contact information.