2023 Equator Prize: Community Dialogues and Training

Day 5 - Exploring Nature for Development Support Programs

Friday, October 6, 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM New York Time

Day 5 showcased the extensive resources available to Equator Prize-winning communities. Dr. Amanda Bielawski, Editor-in-Chief of the Equator Prize case studies series, and Veronika Seemann, Programme Associate at the Equator Initiative, highlighted the role of case studies in sharing success stories and best practices.

Anna Giulia Medri discussed the significance of National Ceremonies in recognizing the achievements of Equator Prize winners. Nina Kantcheva, UNDP Senior Policy Adviser, provided an overview of climate conventions, placing the Equator Prize communities within the broader context of global environmental and climate action initiatives.

Devonne Goad, co-leader of the Learning for Nature initiative, emphasized the availability of free e-learning resources. Di Zhang, UNDP Spatial Planning Analyst, discussed the importance of spatial planning in conservation and sustainable development. Terence Hay-Edie, UNDP Programme Manager for Local Action, Indigenous Peoples & Nature, discussed support through the Small Grants Programme (SGP) and ICCA Global Support Initiative.

The day concluded with expressions of gratitude to the Equator Prize winners for their active participation. Discussions highlighted the strengthened collaboration between Equator Prize communities and UNDP, underscoring the role of nature-based solutions in achieving sustainable development goals.