The Equator Prize is awarded to outstanding community and indigenous initiatives that are advancing nature-based solutions for local sustainable development. Each winning group will receive USD 10,000 and will be invited to participate in a series of policy dialogues and special events during the United Nations General Assembly in New York in September 2017, culminating in an award ceremony at the beginning of Climate Week.

Given your invaluable contributions to past cycles of the award, as a member of the Technical Advisory Committee, we would like to ask for your support in two areas:

–          Nominate communities that are innovating and advancing creative nature for development solutions. To access the new online nomination system, please visit http://prize.equatorinitiative.org/

–          Circulate this announcement to all of your partners and contacts and encourage them to submit nominations, which are available in eight languages. Remember, self-nominations are accepted.

The official announcement is available in English, French and Spanish. It contains all the relevant information on eligibility requirements, selection criteria and how to nominate. For further information please visit www.equatorinitiative.org. Please note that the nomination period for this cycle of the Equator Prize is shorter than in previous rounds – the nomination deadline is 8 March 2017.

This year’s winners will feature innovative solutions related to protecting, restoring and/or sustainably managing nature to achieve local sustainable development, such as food security, water security, sustainable jobs and livelihoods, and disaster risk reduction. Crosscutting issues include advocacy for land and water rights, social and environmental justice, and gender equality.

In celebration of its 15^th anniversary, the Equator Initiative will launch a web portal of local nature-based solutions to sustainable development. The platform will serve to connect communities around the world and share local solutions that work, irrespective of whether they win the Equator Prize. Participation is optional when submitting nominations for the Equator Prize.

The Equator Initiative team is ready to answer any questions you might have and looks forward to working with you on the nomination process. We are counting on your support to identify the next generation of Equator Prize winners, and thank you in advance for spreading the word far and wide.