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The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and its partners proudly announce the winners of the 2024 Equator Prize, now in its 15th cycle. This year, eleven Indigenous Peoples and local communities from eight countries across Asia, Africa, and Latin America and the Caribbean were honored as the winners of the 2024 Equator Prize. Selected from over 600 nominations spanning 102 countries, these winners exemplify the theme 'Nature for Climate Action' showcasing the transformative power of Indigenous and locally led nature-based solutions in addressing the climate crisis.

Among the distinguished winners is Miras Parishan Kazeroon (MPK) from Iran, a Non-Governmental Organization founded in 2014. As a grantee of GEF Small Grants Programme, MPK has implemented various community-based activities in the Parishan and Arjan wetlands, demonstrating its commitment to protecting and restoring Iran's largest freshwater wetland.  The establishment of the Parishan Wetland Education and Research Center in 2019 has significantly contributed to the conservation, restoration, and sustainable management of ecosystems. This has inspired the replication of the achievements in other parts of the country, namely in Tashk and Bakhtegan wetlands.

MPK’s initiatives focus on raising awareness of the threats facing wetlands and enhancing community resilience to climate change. MPK has created a strong network of civil society organizations, advocating for national joint protection systems and supporting local resilience. MPK has emerged as a leader in wetland protection, promoting restoration methods and mobilizing environmental activists and organizations. Their expertise is sought by both governmental and non-governmental sectors across Iran.

Key initiatives of MPK include introducing alternative livelihoods to reduce reliance on natural resources and leverage local resources to protect and restore vital wetland ecosystems. These initiatives involve establishing the Parishan International Wetland Research and Information Center in collaboration of department of Environment, enhancing local communities' negotiation skills, and creating communication networks among stakeholders to engage in decision-making, policy development, and collaborative efforts for wetland conservation. Additionally, they focus on raising public awareness and educating the next generation about the importance of wetland ecosystems and the impacts of climate change, empowering them to sustainably protect natural resources.

MPK has received numerous awards, including "National Hero for Wetlands" by the Department of Environment in 2022, first place in "Innovative Ideas for Sustainable Livelihoods in Wetlands" in 2022, and recognition as one of six NGOs awarded the Energy Globe Foundation Prize in 2022. In 2023, MPK earned first place in the "National Environment Award" presented by the Vice Presidency Organization of Environmental Protection. 

About the Equator Prize:

The Equator Prize, organized biennially by the Equator Initiative within UNDP, honors exceptional community efforts in conserving and sustainably using biodiversity. As these sustainable initiatives gain momentum across the tropics, they contribute to a global movement of local successes that collectively advance the Global Goals. By highlighting the work of local and indigenous communities, the Equator Prize brings their achievements to the international stage, celebrating their commitment to sustainable development. This is the second time Iran has won this prize, the first being in 2015.