Applications Open for the 2025 Equator Prize – Recognizing Indigenous and Local Climate Solutions

The Equator Initiative has officially launched applications for the 2025 Equator Prize, a prestigious global award that celebrates Indigenous Peoples and local communities spearheading innovative nature-based solutions for sustainable development. This initiative, led by the United Nations and its partners, seeks to empower grassroots organizations by providing them with a platform to share their knowledge, strengthen their capacities, influence policy, and scale their impact.

Since its inception in 2002, the Equator Prize has honored 296 outstanding community-driven initiatives from 84 countries. The 2025 edition will continue this legacy by recognizing projects that align with the Global Biodiversity Framework, emphasizing the role of local action in tackling climate change.

What Winners Receive

Selected initiatives will receive:

✅ $10,000 in prize money

✅ Access to global policy dialogues and networking opportunities

✅ Recognition on an international stage for their contributions to climate action

2025 Theme: Nature for Climate Action

This year’s theme highlights how Indigenous and local-led efforts to restore, conserve, and sustainably manage nature can provide effective climate solutions. The award will showcase projects that offer nature-based pathways to mitigate climate change and build more resilient communities.

Key Areas of Focus

The 2025 Equator Prize will honor projects working in the following areas:

🔹 Climate Mitigation & Adaptation

•Conservation and restoration of forests, mangroves, peatlands, marine ecosystems, and soils to store carbon and combat climate change.

•Indigenous land rights and governance, recognizing their vital role in protecting key ecosystems.

•Community-led monitoring, mapping, and planning efforts to safeguard natural resources.

🔹 Empowering Local Climate Leadership

•Recognition and support for Indigenous land defenders and youth activists in climate action.

•Strengthening water security by restoring crucial ecosystems that sustain water resources.

🔹 Sustainable Food Systems

•Transforming food production to be more climate-resilient, low-carbon, and adaptive to environmental challenges.

•Using nature-based solutions to combat disasters like floods and droughts by restoring key ecosystems.

Who Should Apply?

The Equator Prize is open to Indigenous groups, local communities, and grassroots organizations driving impactful climate and biodiversity solutions. If your initiative is making a difference in nature conservation, climate resilience, or sustainable resource management, this is your chance to gain global recognition and support.

How to Apply

Interested organizations can submit their applications through the official Equator Initiative website before the deadline.

Scroll down below for more details and click on the official link attached to apply for this opportunity