The UN Development Programme (UNDP)-led Equator Initiative has announced the 2019 global call for nominations for the Equator Prize 2020. The prize will be awarded to exceptional local community and indigenous peoples’ initiatives that advance nature-based solutions for sustainable development.

Nominations are open through 9 January 2020.

In 2020, the UNDP Equator Prize will focus on ‘Nature for Life.’ Specific thematic priorities include:

• ‘Nature for Prosperity,’ focused on protection, restoration and/or sustainable management of terrestrial or marine ecosystems, biodiversity, and/or wildlife that enables sustainable and green livelihoods, enterprises and jobs, including indigenous economies;
• ‘Nature for Water,’ centered on the protection, restoration and/or sustainable management of ecosystems for water security; and
• ‘Nature for Climate,’ highlighting the protection, restoration and/or sustainable management of ecosystems that help mitigate greenhouse gas emissions, and/or help communities adapt to the impacts of climate change.

In the announcement published on 5 December 2020, UNDP mentions that special consideration will be given to nominees working on ecosystem intactness and integrity, advocacy for land and water rights, social and environmental justice, and gender equality. In addition, by the announcement, the activities of successful nominees should deliver on several SDGs simultaneously.

Each Equator Prize winner will receive US$10,000 and will be supported to participate in a series of policy dialogues and special events during the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) World Conservation Congress, which will take place 11-19 June 2020 in Marseille, France. Further, the winners will join the network of 245 leading community-based organizations from 81 countries that have been awarded the Equator Prize since 2002. [UNDP Press Release] [Nominations: https://www.equatorinitiative.org]