The Equator Prize is awarded to recognize and celebrate outstanding community efforts to reduce poverty through the conservation 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 significant contribution to achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

Five winners will be selected from a field of finalists to receive the Equator Prize 2006. In addition to international recognition for their work and an opportunity to help shape international policy and practice in the field, winners will each receive a prize of US$30,000. All nominees for the prize become part of the Equator Initiative's global network and are profiled in the Equator Initiative biodiversity best practice database.

Read more on the Equator Initiative Website.