21 September 2014: The 2014 Equator Prize Awards Ceremony event honored 26 leaders of local and indigenous communities around the world, whose efforts to address climate change head on and innovate new solutions to issues of food security, land management and water conservation led to their selection from 1,234 global nominations. The Equator Initiative is a partnership between the UN Development Programme (UNDP) and various public and private donors. Each prize winner was awarded US$5,000.

“Those we honor tonight show how indigenous and local communities can lead the way,” said Helen Clark, UNDP Administrator, “They are on the front lines of the struggle for sustainable development.”

Edward Norton, UN Goodwill Ambassador for Biodiversity, who co-hosted the event with Connie Britton, UNDP Goodwill Ambassador, called on world leaders to take inspiration from the local leaders for action. “The time for appropriate action is too late,” he said, “Now is the time for aggressive action.”

The Government of Norway announced US$100 million in funding for indigenous forest management, while the Government of Germany pledged US$16.3 million in support for the Global Environment Facility (GEF) Global Support Initiative for Indigenous and Community Conservation Areas and Territories.

Over 40 representatives of the 26 winning groups traveled to New York for the Ceremony, which was attended by 2,500 guests. [IISD RS Coverage] [UNDP Press Release] [GEF Press Release] [Equator Initiative Website] [IISD RS Sources]