New York – The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) led Equator Initiative releases a global call for nominations for the Equator Prize 2024. The nominations are open through 26 February 2024.  

Under the overarching theme of ‘Nature for Climate Action’, this 15th cycle of the Equator Prize will recognize and celebrate initiatives that are spearheaded by Indigenous Peoples and local communities, which offer impactful climate solutions, restore and sustainably manage nature and biodiversity, and identify actions promoting green and circular economy.

“For centuries, Indigenous Peoples and local communities have demonstrated remarkable stewardship of nature and climate with local solutions that are environmentally friendly. We are happy to announce the next round of nominations to promote and replicate such local actions. UNDP expresses its sincere gratitude to the government of Norway for the generous support, for us to be able to continue the tradition of celebrating the local heroes”, stated Marcos Neto, UN Assistant Secretary-General and Director of UNDP’s Bureau for Policy and Programme Support.

The ten Equator Prize winners will be announced on the International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples. They will join a prestigious network of 285 innovative community-based organizations from 89 countries who have won the prize since 2002. 

The 15th Equator Prize Award Ceremony is scheduled to be held in the last quarter of 2024. Each prize-winning organization will receive USD 10,000 and will be supported to participate in a series of policy dialogues and special events in the fall of 2024.  

Under the theme of ‘Nature for Climate Action,’ winning initiatives will be honored under the three categories below. Special consideration will be given to nominees championing youth and women-led climate action. 

1. Nature for Climate Mitigation: Actions that protect, conserve and restore forests, mangroves, peatlands, soils, oceans, and marine ecosystems.
2. Nature for Climate Adaptation and Resilience:  Actions that integrate nature into planning for water and food security, build climate resilient food systems and develop regenerative agriculture and forestry practices resulting in disaster risk reduction, enhanced livelihoods and community resilience.
3. Nature for a Just Transition: Actions that lead to a green, zero-carbon economy, which is inclusive and creates decent work opportunities for people. Local actions that harness circular economy, reduce the need for resource extraction and minimize the pressure on wildlife, thus bringing a global shift in consumption and production pattern.

For details on the nomination and selection criteria, and to submit nominations, visit here.

More information on the Equator Prize is available here. 

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Media queries: Sangita Khadka, Communications Specialist, UNDP Bureau for Policy and Programme Support, New York, email: sangita.khadka@undp.org.