The Equator Prize 2024 Award Ceremony

The 15th Equator Prize Award Ceremony highlighted the outstanding accomplishments of 11 local and Indigenous communities hailing from eight countries. The winners, selected from a pool of over 600 nominations from 102 countries, hail from Brazil, Bangladesh, Colombia, Iran, Kenya, Morocco, Senegal, and Zambia. Demonstrating innovative nature-based solutions, the winning initiatives foster local action to achieve sustainable development, while tackling various economic, environmental, political, and public health challenges.

Each Equator Prize winner received a cash prize of US$15,000. The winners from Brazil also received additional US$5,000 to further scale up their activities, thanks to the valued partnership between the Equator Initiative and the Instituto Alok. 

The 2024 winners were honored for their effective contributions in three categories: Nature for Climate Mitigation, Nature for Climate Adaptation and Resilience, and Nature for a Just Transition.

Watch the recording of the full event here as part of the 2024 Nature for Life Hub.

EP Winners 2024 Placeholder
EP Winners 2024

Opening
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The ceremony started with a mesmerizing dance performance by community members from CAIANAS, Equator Prize 2024 winner from Brazil. Their energetic presentation captivated the audience and set the perfect tone for the commencement of the Equator Prize 2024 Award ceremony.

Hindou Oumarou Ibrahim, Chair of the twenty-third session of the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII), opened the ceremony by warmly greeting the audience and spotlighting the diverse environments impacted by the 2024 Equator Prize winners. She highlighted how these initiatives, spanning the globe, are leading transformational efforts through innovative conservation and sustainable practices. Hindou stated, “From forests to wetlands, from coastal regions to mountain ranges, from farmlands to rangelands, these extraordinary winners represent a vast spectrum of ecosystems, each playing a critical role in protecting our planet.”

Midori Paxton, Director of the UNDP Nature Hub, officially opened the ceremony by highlighting the vital role Indigenous Peoples and local communities play in safeguarding and restoring the natural balance of our planet. “As we enter a new era of climate and nature action, one thing is clear: we cannot reach climate nor biodiversity goals without ensuring that the voices of those who have lived in harmony with nature for generations are front and center.”

 

CAIANAS

Equator Prize 2024 winner from Brazil

Hindou Oumarou Ibrahim

Chair of the twenty-third session of the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII)

Midori Paxton

Director of the UNDP Nature Hub

Prize Category: Nature for Climate Mitigation

HE Ms. Razan Khalifa Al Mubarak, President of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and UN Climate Change High-Level Champion for COP28, highlighted her unwavering commitment to the Equator Initiative, stressing the importance of empowering local communities and advancing nature-based solutions as essential drivers for a sustainable future. Reflecting on this year’s Equator Prize winners, she remarked,

“By empowering Indigenous Peoples and local actors, we can leverage their deep-rooted connection to nature, supporting their rights, their access to finance, and integrating their knowledge with scientific research can create resilient and adaptive strategies to combat both climate change and biodiversity loss.”

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Reserva Natural La Planada – Resguardo Indígena Awá Pialapí Pueblo Viejo (Colombia)

In the rich ecosystems of Colombia, the Reserva Natural La Planada – Resguardo Indígena Awá Pialapí Pueblo Viejo is deeply committed to preserving biodiversity and protecting their ancestral lands in the face of climate challenges. Upon accepting the award, Yuri Nataly Caicedo shared a heartfelt message, stating, “Our approach to learning is based on a two-way exchange of knowledge, where scientific understanding merges with ancestral wisdom.”

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Réserve Naturelle Communautaire de Dindéfélo (Senegal)

The Réserve Naturelle Communautaire de Dindéfélo in Senegal champions a unique model that aims to safeguard their distinctive natural surroundings while securing their ongoing presence in the region. By combining Traditional wisdom with innovative conservation strategies, they empower local communities to become stewards of their environment. Upon accepting the award, Mamadou Sylla shared, “Our approach is unique because it is rooted in our natural and cultural values —and in community collaboration.”

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União dos Povos Indígenas do Vale do Javari (Brazil)

In the vast landscapes of Brazil, the União dos Povos Indígenas do Vale do Javari (UNIVAJA) is dedicated to advocating for Indigenous rights and preserving the rich biodiversity of the Javari Valley. Upon accepting the award, Bushe Matis emphasized, “Despite ongoing threats and the tragic loss of our main lead trainer, Bruno Pereira, in 2022, our movement has grown stronger. We have transparent, efficient finances, and a democratic governance structure that ensures the sustainability of our efforts.”

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Musical intermission

The segment concluded with an energetic musical compilation featuring compositions from the victorious communities in the "Nature for Climate Mitigation" category.

Prize Category: Nature for a Just Transition

Francisco Vera Manzanares, a passionate 13-year-old Human Rights Defender and Climate Activist from Colombia, delivered an inspiring opening of the “Nature for a Just Transition” category of the Equator Prize. He highlighted the crucial role that Indigenous and local communities and their nature-based solutions play in fostering a sustainable future. Addressing this year’s Equator Prize winners, he stated,

“Thank you for your devotion, your dedication, your great work that inspires us all to take action and to keep up the work we are doing in our communities. Thank you, because you are the biggest source of hope we can have in such a difficult moment for our society.”

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Federación Mesa Nacional del Café - FEMNCAFÉ (Colombia)

FEMNCAFÉ, comprising 28 coffee associations, focuses on the economic, social, and community reintegration of the signatories of the 2016 Peace Agreement in Colombia. In accepting the award on behalf of the Federación Mesa Nacional del Café (FEMNCAFÉ), Camilo Lara emphasized the importance of unity and resilience in their work. “Since the birth of FEMNCAFÉ, we have been an organization that seeks to reduce the gap between rural and urban inequality. Our commitment to democratizing the coffee industry involves strengthening technical coffee knowledge, making it accessible and simple for coffee-growing families, improving their economic situation, and improving their adaptability to climate change in the territories where we operate.”

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CredorSave Loans (Zambia)

In the heart of Zambia's Rufunsa District, CredorSave Loans is a community-focused social fintech enterprise dedicated to empowering Indigenous small-scale farmers through accessible climate finance. Upon receiving the award, Maggie Bukowa stated, “Our journey began with the vision of creating a thriving rural community where smallholder farmers, predominantly women, are safeguarded from the impacts of climate change. Our innovative products promote the use of climate-smart agriculture through financing water-efficient drip irrigation as well as sustainable fodder practices. CredorSave’s core team with first-hand experience of rural challenges ensures that our initiatives are community-rooted and inclusive.”

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Asociación de Productores del Pueblo Arhuaco de La Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta – ASOARHUACO (Colombia)

Nestled in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, the Arhuaco Indigenous Peoples have dedicated decades to protecting their sacred lands. In 2015, they established ASOARHUACO, an association of Arhuaco agroforestry producers, to enhance their livelihoods and preserve their ancestral territory. ASOARHUACO focuses on sustainable agroforestry, cultivating organic coffee, cocoa, and sugarcane, successfully tapping into European markets. Upon receiving the 2024 Equator Prize award, Rogelio Mejía Izquierdo shared, “The Indigenous knowledge is the safeguard that keeps things as they should be. As they have always been. That is why we have said that it [La Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta] is the heart of the world. We know that if the Sierra is preserved, the world can be preserved.”

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Community Statement

A powerful community statement, delivered by the eleven prize-winning communities in their native languages, wrapped up the second segment of the award ceremony. The key points included the need to enforce environmental laws, foster better relationships between communities and businesses, and strengthen the role of communities in environmental protection. The communities emphasized their minimal contribution to the climate crisis, yet their exposure to its harshest effects. They called for greater global commitment and support, concluding with the rallying cry: “Join us, and help us choose Nature for Life.”

Community statement

A powerful community statement, delivered by the eleven prize-winning communities.

Musical intermission

The segment concluded with an energetic musical compilation featuring compositions from the victorious communities in the "Nature for a Just Transition" category.

Prize Category: Nature for Climate Adaptation and Resilience

Ida Elisabeth Hellmark, Senior Advisor in the Department for Climate, Nature, and Private Sector at the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (NORAD), opened the “Nature for Climate Adaptation and Resilience” thematic category by highlighting the critical role of nature-based solutions in addressing climate and social challenges. She emphasized the interconnectedness of people and the environment, stating, 

“Indigenous and community-led initiatives are crucial to realizing global climate goals. And, it is only by empowering local leaders that we can ensure a sustainable and resilient future for all. This year’s Equator Prize winners reflect the very heart of these values. From Bangladesh to Brazil, Iran to Morocco, Kenya and beyond, the communities in the Climate Adaptation and Resilience category have embraced nature as an ally in combating the climate crisis.”

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Coletivo Ambientalista Indígena de Ação para Natureza, Agroecologia e Sustentabilidade – CAIANAS (Brazil)

Coletivo Ambientalista Indígena de Ação para Natureza, Agroecologia e Sustentabilidade (CAIANAS), an Indigenous association from the Cachoeirinha Indigenous Land in Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil, was formed in 2015 as the “GATI Family” collective. It focuses on enhancing quality of life and environmental protection in the Cerrado and Pantanal regions. In a moving acceptance speech, Ederval Antonio, General Coordinator of CAIANAS, highlighted the essential connection to ancestral knowledge, stating, “CAIANAS, through these cultural practices and ethno-agroecological activities, strengthens Indigenous Terena families so that they continue in this struggle and continue to practice what our ancestors, our forefathers, left as most valuable: their knowledge.”

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Moroccan Biodiversity and Livelihoods Association (Morocco)

In the stunning landscapes of Morocco’s High Atlas Mountains, the Moroccan Biodiversity and Livelihoods Association (MBLA) is passionately committed to empowering the youth in their quest to protect the region's natural and cultural heritage. By fostering sustainable livelihoods, they inspire the next generation to engage in conservation efforts and embrace their environmental responsibilities. Upon receiving recognition for their efforts, Dr. Rachid Ait Babahmad expressed, “Young people are the future stewards of our environment and cultural heritage. By engaging and educating them, we ensure that the knowledge and practices necessary for sustainable agriculture and biodiversity conservation are preserved and advanced.”

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Indigenous Livelihoods Enhancement Partners - ILEPA (Kenya)

Rooted in the Maasai pastoral community of Narok County, Kenya, the Indigenous Livelihoods Enhancement Partners (ILEPA) have been working since 2008 to address the pressing challenges faced by their people. Initially focused on land rights, ILEPA has expanded its mission to encompass environmental stewardship, health, and sustainable livelihoods. Upon receiving recognition for their transformative efforts, Kimaren Ole Riamit shared, “Land represents our spirituality. It represents our cultural heritage. ILEPA approaches development from a holistic and integrated space through self-determination of these communities, these ancestral domains.”

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Sundarbans Eco Village in Bangladesh (Bangladesh)

Located in a disaster-prone coastal region of Bangladesh, the Sundarbans Eco Village in Bangladesh is a beacon of resilience, integrating green housing, green business, and green education to foster climate adaptation and sustainable livelihoods. In their acceptance speech, Maksudur Rahman explained, “The Eco Village Initiative embodies our mission to foster ecological balance and harmony between humans and nature. It addresses complex environmental and social challenges through a holistic approach, profoundly impacting the socioeconomic condition of the Sundarbans coastal communities.”

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Miras Parishan Kazeroon (Iran)

Founded to address the decline of the Parishan International Wetland, Iran’s largest freshwater wetland, Miras Parishan Kazeroon (MPK) has emerged as a leading force in wetland conservation, restoration, and environmental activism. Upon receiving the award, Mohammad Javad Sayahpour expressed his gratitude, stating, “On behalf of Miras Parishan Kazeroon, I am deeply honored and humbled to accept the 2024 Equator Prize. This recognition fuels our commitment and strengthens our resolve to continue our work with renewed dedication.”

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Musical intermission

The segment closed with vibrant music from the winning communities of the “Nature for Climate Adaptation and Resilience” category.

Musical Performance

The Ceremony concluded with a performance from AY Young, a producer, singer, songwriter, entrepreneur, founder of the Battery Tour, and UN Young Leader for the SDGs.

Our
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The Equator Prize 2024 Award Ceremony was possible thanks to the Equator Initiative partners: