The Equator Prize, organized by the United Nations Development Programme since 1993, is awarded biennially to recognize outstanding community efforts to reduce poverty through the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity.
As sustainable community initiatives take root throughout the tropics, they are laying the foundation for a global movement of local successes that are collectively making a contribution to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). As local and indigenous groups across the tropics demonstrate and exemplify sustainable development, the Equator Prize shines a spotlight on their efforts by celebrating them on an international stage.
As of 2025, the Equator Prize has been awarded to 306 initiatives around the world. D-Ns can search the database to identify relevant SFS Role models by country, region, or topic. Some examples of how they could be useful include:
– for education in a classroom or field visit, or
– to partner with on activities, or
– for inspiring a group you are working with, or
– applying for the Equator Prize!
Selection Criteria
Equator Prize winners are selected by an independent Technical Advisory Committee, which assesses nominations based on the following criteria, which include many aspects of Sustainable Food Systems:
- Impact: The extent to which the nominated initiative has resulted in measurable and positive environmental, social and economic impacts, related to two or more Sustainable Development Goals;
- Innovation: The extent to which the nominated initiative demonstrates new approaches and models that overcome prevailing constraints, and could offer fundamentally new approaches to attaining sustainable development;
- Scalability and/or replicability: The extent to which the nominated initiative could be scaled up sub-nationally or nationally and/or, the extent to which the initiative can be replicated within the country and beyond;
- Resilience, Adaptability, and Self-Sufficiency: The extent to which the nominated initiative demonstrates adaptability to environmental, social and economic change, resilience in the face of external pressures, and improved capacity for local self-sufficiency;
- Reduced inequalities: The extent to which the initiative reduces inequalities in income as well as those based on age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion, or economic or other status, particularly for the poor;
- Social Inclusion: The extent to which the nominated initiative includes youth, elders, indigenous members and other diverse groups in the decision-making processes and the actions that affect them;
- Gender Equality: The extent to which the nominated Initiative promotes the equality and empowerment of women and girls.
updated 2025 Nov
Transparency | Diversity | Dynamism | Evidence-based |