New York - The 14th Equator Prize Award Ceremony will honour 10 nature-based solutions led by Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities from across the world on 7 November at the UNDP flagship event “Nature for Life Hub”, dedicated to catalyzing global action for putting nature at the heart of sustainable development.

The celebration will deliver a powerful message of local leadership. Each of the winners is awarded a cash prize of US$15,000 for their significant work that showcases innovative responses to biodiversity, climate change and development challenges. Winners are based in Brazil, Burundi, Bolivia, Ecuador, Greenland, Guatemala, Liberia, Philippines, Nepal and Zambia.

“This year’s Equator Prize winners are demonstrating that there is great hope for people and planet”, said Achim Steiner, Administrator of UNDP. “Their groundbreaking solutions are underpinned by a distinct philosophy. There is much to learn from many Indigenous belief systems that often portray nonhumans as kin with nature with an inherent value to be respected rather than exploited. It is the way we need to think about the future. Living side by side, not only with one another, but also with nature.”

The Award Ceremony will feature winners in the categories of Redefining Our Relationship with Nature, Creating a Planetary Safety Net, and Creating a New Green Economy. Each winning community will deliver a statement to the audience, emphasizing the central role of Indigenous peoples and local communities in protecting, sustainably managing and restoring the world’s ecosystems.

Among the distinguished personalities and contributors to the event are Achim Steiner, UNDP Administrator, actor and director Fisher Stevens; renowned Indigenous artist, and Brazilian activist Djuena Tikuna; Indigenous spiritual and political leader Benki Piyako Ashaninka; Ida Elisabeth Hellmark, from the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (NORAD) and representatives from all 10 winning initiatives.

Since its inception in 2002, the Equator Prize has recognized the innovative work of 285 community initiatives from 89 countries that are helping to protect the environment and address our climate crisis while advancing their own sustainable development priorities. This year’s Equator Prize was made possible by the generous support of the Government of Norway, the Government of Germany and the Sall Family Foundation.

We invite you to attend the Equator Prize Award Ceremony on 7 November at 9:00 am EST by using this link. You can also pre-register for the Nature for Life Hub here.

About the Equator Initiative

The Equator Initiative, a UNDP-led, multi-sectoral partnership that brings together governments, civil society, academia, businesses and grassroots organizations to recognize and advance local, nature-based sustainable development solutions for people, nature, and resilient communities. Its mission is to identify and advance outstanding local efforts to reduce poverty through the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity. The Equator Initiative partnership offers a unique platform to celebrate success, inform global policymaking, and support local leadership in advancing innovative projects in sustainable development and climate issues.

About the winners

Access short summaries of the Equator Prize 2023 winners here. Videos about all winners available upon request. A recording of the event will be available at www.natureforlifehub.org. 

Media queries: Sangita Khadka, Communications Specialist, UNDP New York, email: sangita.khadka@undp.org, Tel: +1 212 906 5043