UNDP Announces Equator Prize 2024 Winners for Transformative Climate Solutions

Under the theme ‘Nature for Climate Action,’ the 2024 winners demonstrate the power of Indigenous and locally-led initiatives in combating climate change.

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has unveiled the winners of the Equator Prize 2024, marking its 15th cycle. This year's prize honors eleven Indigenous Peoples and local communities from eight countries across Asia, Africa, and Latin America and the Caribbean. Selected from over 600 nominations from 102 countries, these winners are recognized for their impactful nature-based solutions addressing the climate crisis.

Theme and Impact

Under the theme 'Nature for Climate Action,' the 2024 winners demonstrate the power of Indigenous and locally-led initiatives in combating climate change. Their projects protect and restore ecosystems, integrate nature into planning, preserve cultural heritage, enhance climate resilience, and promote a fair, inclusive green economy.

Marcos Neto, UN Assistant Secretary-General and Director of UNDP's Bureau for Policy and Programme Support, emphasized the importance of these communities: "Indigenous Peoples and local communities hold the keys to effective climate solutions. They pave the way for a sustainable future for both people and the planet. Their wisdom and leadership illuminate the path to climate resilience, equitable green economies, and a nature-positive world."

Notable Winners

Aligned with the International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples' theme of protecting the rights of Indigenous Peoples in voluntary isolation, one Brazilian winner stands out for its dedication to defending the rights and traditional knowledge of sixteen Indigenous communities, including those in voluntary isolation.

Among the diverse range of 2024 recipients are:

• An Indigenous community advancing scientific tourism for biodiversity and cultural heritage.
• A community-led organization fostering peace through sustainable coffee production.
• A fintech enterprise offering affordable climate finance to Indigenous small-scale farmers.
• A youth-founded NGO promoting wetland protection through education and activism.
• A community-led nature reserve balancing human habitation, agriculture, and wildlife.
• An organization supporting rural livelihoods through sustainable seed management.

Prize and Recognition

Each winner will receive US$15,000 and participate in special virtual events associated with the UN General Assembly, Summit of the Future, the 2024 UN Biodiversity Conference (CBD COP 16) in Cali, Colombia, and the 2024 UN Climate Change Conference (UNFCCC COP 29) in Baku, Azerbaijan.

The Equator Prize continues to celebrate and support innovative locally-led initiatives, now including a prestigious network of 285 winners from 94 countries since 2002.