The Call for Nominations for the Equator Prize 2010 officially opened on 11 January 2010. The Equator Prize is awarded biennially by the UNDP Equator Initiative for outstanding local, indigenous and community efforts to reduce poverty through the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity. Now in its fifth award cycle, the Equator Prize has special significance during the International Year of Biodiversity, 2010.

A total of 25 local and indigenous communities will receive awards; 20 will receive US$5,000 and a further five will be selected as “special recognition” winners and receive a total of US$20,000.

Nominations for the Equator Prize 2010 must be received by 28 February 2010. We encourage you to nominate qualified community initiatives that are active in environmental conservation and sustainable livelihoods within the equatorial region. Self-nominations are also welcome. Further information on the Equator Prize is available here.