THE NATURE FOR LIFE HUB 2024
Day 4 - Equator Prize 2024 Award Ceremony
* The views, opinions, and positions expressed by individuals or organizations featured in the Nature for Life Hub are those of the participants alone and do not reflect or imply endorsement by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). UNDP is not responsible for the content, political positions, or statements made by individuals in any of the sessions of the Nature for Life Hub. Any references to specific individuals, policies, or organizations do not constitute an endorsement by UNDP.
Today's speakers
H.E. Razan Khalifa Al Mubarak
UN Climate Change High Level Champion for COP28 and IUCN President
Ida Elisabeth Hellmark
Senior Adviser - Department for Climate, Nature and Private Sector, Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (NORAD)
Hindou Oumarou Ibrahim
Chair - UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues
Francisco Vera Manzanares
Human Rights Defender and Climate Activist
Midori Paxton
Director of Nature Hub - Bureau for Policy and Programme Support, UNDP
Today's performers
![](https://www.learningfornature.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/AY-Young44.jpg")
AY Young
Producer, singer, songwriter, entrepreneur
CAIANAS
Equator Prize winners, Indigenous association in Brazil's Mato Grosso do Sul
Today's agenda
| 9:00 am* | Equator Prize Award Ceremony Opening |
| 9:01 am | Opening Performance |
| 9:05 am | Opening Statement Speaker: Midori Paxton, Director of Nature Hub, Bureau for Policy and Programme Support, UNDP |
| 9:10 am | Thematic Category 1: Nature for Climate Mitigation Speaker: HE Ms. Razan Khalifa Al Mubarak, UN Climate Change High-Level Champion for COP28 and IUCN President |
| 9:16 am | Reserva Natural La Planada – Resguardo Indígena Awá Pialapí Pueblo Viejo (Colombia) |
| 9:22 am | Réserve Naturelle Communautaire de Dindéfélo (Senegal) |
| 9:28 am | União dos Povos do Vale do Javari (Brazil) |
| 9:36 am | Music Intermission |
| 9:39 am | Thematic Category 2: Nature for a Just Transition Speaker: Francisco Vera Manzanares, Human Rights Defender and Climate Activist |
| 9:43 am | Federación Mesa Nacional del Cafe - FEMNCAFÉ (Colombia) |
| 9:49 am | CredorSave Loans (Zambia) |
| 9:55 am | Asociación de Productores del Pueblo Arhuaco de La Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta – ASOARHUACO (Colombia) |
| 10:01 am | Community Statement |
| 10:10 am | Music Intermission |
| 10:12 am | Thematic Category 3: Nature for Climate Adaptation and Resilience Speaker: Ida Elisabeth Hellmark, Senior Adviser, Department for Climate, Nature and Private Sector, Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (NORAD) |
| 10:16 am | Coletivo Ambientalista Indígena de Ação para Natureza, Agroecologia e Sustentabilidade – CAIANAS (Brazil) |
| 10:22 am | Moroccan Biodiversity and Livelihoods Association (Morocco) |
| 10:29 am | Indigenous Livelihoods Enhancement Partners - ILEPA (Kenya) |
| 10:35 am | Sundarbans Eco Village in Bangladesh (Bangladesh) |
| 10:41 am | Miras Parishan Kazeroon (Iran) |
| 10:51 am | Musical Performance Artist: AY Young |
Meet the winners of the Equator Prize 2024
Reserva Natural La Planada – Resguardo Indígena Awá Pialapí Pueblo Viejo - Colombia
Since 2010, the Awá Indigenous People, consisting of 490 families and 1,900 individuals, have focused on preserving their ancestral lands and cultural heritage through an innovative approach that embraces scientific tourism, fostering meaningful exchanges of knowledge while promoting biodiversity conservation for future generations.
Federación Mesa Nacional del Café FEMNCAFÉ - Colombia
Comprising 28 coffee associations, FEMNCAFÉ champions the economic and social reintegration of Colombian peace agreement signatories through a sustainable coffee model that prioritizes environmental and social justice, reduces inequality, democratizes technical knowledge, and fosters climate-resilient agriculture.
Asociación de Productores del Pueblo Arhuaco de La Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta – ASOARHUACO - Colombia
Nestled in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, the Arhuacos Indigenous People have protected their sacred territory for decades and, through ASOARHUACO, an association of agroforestry producers, are working with Sacred Forests to implement a payment for ecosystem services model to reclaim, restore, and conserve invaded lands as sacred sites.
União dos Povos Indígenas do Vale do Javari - UNIVAJA - Brazil
This Indigenous-led non-profit protects Brazil’s second-largest Indigenous territory in the Javari Valley, home to a significant population of Indigenous Peoples in voluntary isolation, by defending their rights and using digital technology to monitor territorial incursions through the Javari Valley Ethno-Environmental Protection Project.
Réserve Naturelle Communautaire de Dindéfélo - Senegal
Established by 12 local villages, this organization has developed a community nature reserve model that balances human habitation, agriculture, and wildlife conservation while preserving biodiversity, protecting chimpanzees, and promoting sustainability through ongoing projects like market gardens and water quality initiatives.
Coletivo Ambientalista Indígena de Ação para Natureza, Agroecologia e Sustentabilidade – CAIANAS - Brazil
CAIANAS, an Indigenous association in Brazil's Mato Grosso do Sul, aims to improve quality of life and environmental protection in the Cerrado and Pantanal regions by empowering families through cultural practices, recovering traditional seeds, implementing agroforestry, and collaborating with universities for agroecology training.
Miras Parishan Kazeroon - Iran
Formed in 2014, Miras Parishan Kazeroon (MPK) advocates for the protection and restoration of Iran's largest freshwater wetland by empowering local communities and fostering collaboration through initiatives like the Parishan Wetland Education and Research Center, enhancing ecosystem conservation and sustainable management.
Sundarbans Eco Village in Bangladesh - Bangladesh
Spearheaded by the Bangladesh Environment and Development Society (BEDS), the Sundarbans Eco Village exemplifies a community-driven approach to sustainable living in a disaster-prone region, restoring 150 hectares of mangrove forests, providing renewable energy to over 3,100 families, ensuring safe drinking water for 12,000 people, and promoting ecotourism.
CredorSave Loans - Zambia
CredorSave, a social fintech enterprise, empowers Indigenous small-scale farmers in Zambia’s Rufunsa District by providing affordable climate finance for climate-smart agriculture and a pay-as-you-go biogas model, enhancing resilience and supporting sustainable development while mitigating climate change impacts.
Moroccan Biodiversity and Livelihoods Association (MBLA) - Morocco
Operating in the High Atlas Mountains, this organization preserves natural and cultural heritage while fostering sustainable rural livelihoods through community-based conservation, traditional seed management, and knowledge sharing to enhance agro-biodiversity and climate resilience.
Indigenous Livelihoods Enhancement Partners (ILEPA) - Kenya
This organization focuses on environmental conservation and sustainable development for the Maasai community by reclaiming Indigenous lands, promoting women's beekeeping, and establishing resource centers to empower communities and protect their natural heritage.
Conservation in action
We invited our partners and past Hub attendees to showcase their conservation initiatives. Want to see your initiative featured? Add it to the map and let your story inspire others to join the movement for a more sustainable future!
To add your conservation initiative to the map, click the plus sign in the bottom right corner of the map.
Through the lens
Browse a collection of powerful photo stories showcasing conservation efforts from around the world, shared by our Hub partners and attendees. Explore the inspiring ways people are protecting nature, one snapshot at a time.
Hpapun, Myanmar
By Women4Biodiversity
Through Women’s Lenses: Documenting Biocultural Plant Species in the Salween Peace Park
Through Women’s Lenses: Documenting Biocultural Plant Species in the Salween Peace Park
The Salween Peace Park in Myanmar is a biodiversity hotspot. At its heart, a group of Indigenous women researchers are on a mission to document the plants essential to their culture and community. This photo story captures their journey, highlighting the challenges they overcome and their invaluable contributions to preserving traditional knowledge.
Melekeok, Palau
By Rare
Community-Led Management of Ngeschsiau Managed Access Area and Ngermedellim Reserve
Community-Led Management of Ngeschsiau Managed Access Area and Ngermedellim Reserve
Ngeschsiau is the first Managed Access area in Palau formalized through legislation, with local Chiefs playing a vital management role. It integrates indigenous traditional knowledge from the Chiefs of Ngerang Village in Melekeok into the fisheries management body as advisors, recognizing the importance of traditional knowledge along with scientific data in the management of the fishery. Managed access with reserves (MA+R) is a fisheries management system that empowers local communities with rights to manage local fisheries.
Bas-Sassandra District, Côte d'Ivoire
By Proforest
Boosting a Landscape Initiative for Forest Management
Boosting a Landscape Initiative for Forest Management
San Pédro plays a pivotal role in the local economy, with cash crops, especially cocoa, being predominantly produced by smallholders. This photo story shows collaborative work, promoting a more sustainable, long-term approach that aligns private-sector commitments to eliminate deforestation from supply chains. The shared vision is to transform the region into a more sustainable one where forests are safeguarded and restored, and biodiversity is conserved through climate-resilient agriculture, whilst uplifting community living conditions.
Pwani Region, Tanzania
By Youth4Nature
Girls and Women as Nature-Climate Change-makers: Leading Sustainable Seaweed Farming in Tanzania
Girls and Women as Nature-Climate Change-makers: Leading Sustainable Seaweed Farming in Tanzania
Explore the coastal regions of Tanzania, where women are transforming the blue economy through seaweed farming. These resilient women are cultivating seaweed to not only sustain their communities but also to combat climate change and promote biodiversity and resilient ecosystems. Through their dedication, they are redefining the nature-based economy, illustrating the powerful intersection of traditional knowledge and innovative practices. Their stories reflect the themes of sustainability, empowerment, and economic resilience central to the long term sustainability.
Mexico City, Mexico
By Tamara Blazquez Haik
Rekindling Our Relationship with Nature: Community-Based Conservation Initiatives in Mexico City
Rekindling Our Relationship with Nature: Community-Based Conservation Initiatives in Mexico City
Being one of the largest cities on the planet, Mexico City has lost its connection to nature. Buildings, malls and highways are what stands most about this city, which is now facing the consequences of climate change for choosing a life of concrete and "progress". Trees and forests continue to be cut down and wetlands urbanized, however, throughout the city, community-based initiatives are rekindling neighbors' relationship with nature. This story explores three of these initiatives, highlighting how communities, when organized, can bring change, no matter how small, to even one of the largest cities on the planet.
Asia
By RECOFTC
Balancing Act: Navigating Livelihoods and Conservation in Asia’s Model Forests
Balancing Act: Navigating Livelihoods and Conservation in Asia’s Model Forests
As we strive to keep pace with the rapid advances of the world, the relationship between humans and nature continues to be pushed out of balance. Despite the growing divide, there is an increased awareness to protect and reconnect with our natural world. Model Forests offer examples of how this can be achieved. In Asia, Model Forests can be found in China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Philippines and Thailand. These Model Forests aim to harmonize local livelihoods with forest conservation, and their efforts made over the years show that communities can coexist with nature, and balance can be gradually restored.
![](https://www.learningfornature.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/When-Nature-Thrives-Ethiopia.jpg")
Explore more
Voices of nature
Tune into inspiring stories from changemakers across the globe. Each episode brings fresh perspectives on protecting our planet and building a sustainable future. Let their voices inspire you to take action for nature!
Featured episodes
By Anything But Ordinary
The Tiger Talks with Dr. Jane Goodall
The Tiger Talks with Dr. Jane Goodall
The Tiger Talks is Chris Thaller's video interview series featuring inspiring guests from diverse backgrounds to discuss their sustainability and philanthropic projects. In this episode, Chris meets the inspiring Dr. Jane Goodall for an intimate one-hour interview, focusing on the connection between corporations and sustainability.
Host/Producer:
Chris Thaller
Co-founder and Creative Lead, Anything But Ordinary
Guest(s):
Dr. Jane Goodall DBE
Zoologist, Primatologist and Anthropologist
By Jumpstart Nature
We Live in a 10% World
By: Jumpstart Nature
We Live in a 10% World
What is 'normal' in nature? "We Live in a 10% World" explores the "Shifting Baseline Syndrome," the phenomenon where each generation accepts a degraded environment as normal. By challenging our perceptions of what constitutes a "healthy" ecosystem, the podcast aims to inspire listeners to reimagine their relationship with nature, questioning what we perceive as "balance" so that we can aim higher.
Host/Producer:
Griff Griffith
Wildlife Conservationist, Author, Host of Animal Planet's show "Wild Jobs"
Guest(s):
Dr. Loren McClenachan
University of Victoria
Alison Whipple
San Francisco Estuary Institute
Ben Goldfarb
Author and Environmental Journalist
Francisco Saavedra Jr
Forestry Student and Member of the Pit River Tribe Madesi band
By MOTH
José Gualinga: Our Strength Comes From the Living Forest
By: MOTH
José Gualinga: Our Strength Comes From the Living Forest
José Gualinga introduces the concept of Kawsak Sacha (Living Forest) and describes its dual meaning: the profound connection between humans and their territory, and the core mission of the Sarayaku struggle.
Host/Producer:
NYU MOTH Project & 070
Guest(s):
José Gualinga
Kichwa Indigenous People of Sarayaku, Ecuador
Podcast series: Finance for Nature
BY UNDP BIOFIN
Digital Finance Solutions for Nature from the Philippines
Digital Finance Solutions for Nature from the Philippines
In this episode, Abbie Trinidad from UNDP BIOFIN and Anabelle Plantilla, BIOFIN Philippines' national coordinator, explore the innovative GCash Forest initiative. This program encourages users of the GCash mobile app to take eco-friendly actions that earn points, which are converted into virtual trees. These trees are then planted to help restore the Ipo watershed, a crucial water source for Manila. The episode highlights the power of digital finance to drive environmental sustainability and promote biodiversity conservation.
Host/Producer:
Abbie Trinidad
Senior Technical Advisor, United Nations Development Programme BIOFIN
Guest(s):
Anabelle Plantilla
Project Manager, United Nations Development Programme BIOFIN in the Philippines
By UNDP BIOFIN
Increasing Public Funds for Nature through Ecological Fiscal Transfers
Increasing Public Funds for Nature through Ecological Fiscal Transfers
In this episode, the BIOFIN explores Ecological Fiscal Transfers (EFTs) as a tool for increasing public funds to protect biodiversity. EFTs incentivize local governments to prioritize nature conservation by allocating fiscal resources based on environmental performance. Experts discuss how EFTs have been implemented in various countries, showcasing the potential to scale up funding for biodiversity through innovative public finance mechanisms, helping governments meet conservation targets while supporting sustainable development.
Host/Producer:
Bayuni Shantiko
National Project Coordinator, United Nations Development Programme BIOFIN in Indonesia
Guest(s):
Dzulhaili Bin Dzulkarnain
Assistant Secretary, Biodiversity Management Division,
Malaysian Ministry of NRECC (Natural Resources, Environmental and Climate Change)
Anabelle Plantilla
Project Manager, United Nations Development Programme BIOFIN in the Philippines
By UNDP BIOFIN
Biodiversity Finance and the BIOFIN Journey
Biodiversity Finance and the BIOFIN Journey
In this episode, produced by the BIOFIN, the concept of biodiversity finance and BIOFIN's efforts to address the biodiversity finance gap are explored. Through innovative financial solutions, BIOFIN works with governments and private sectors to increase investments in ecosystems and biodiversity conservation. The episode highlights successful case studies and dives into the key strategies used to develop sustainable financing frameworks that protect nature while supporting economic development.
Host/Producer:
Tracey Cumming
Senior Technical Advisor, United Nations Development Programme BIOFIN
Guest(s):
Onno Van den Heuvel
Senior Technical Advisor, United Nations Development Programme Nature Hub
Andrew Seidl
Senior Technical Advisor, United Nations Development Programme BIOFIN
By UNDP BIOFIN
COP16 Countdown: Colombia's Innovative Approach to Biodiversity Finance
COP16 Countdown: Colombia's Innovative Approach to Biodiversity Finance
In this episode of Finance for Nature, Colombia’s pioneering strategies for funding biodiversity conservation are explored ahead of COP16. The episode highlights Colombia's innovative financial mechanisms to protect ecosystems, ensuring long-term sustainability. Experts share insights into how these models can be replicated globally, emphasizing the role of public and private sectors in mobilizing resources for biodiversity. This episode showcases Colombia's leadership in biodiversity finance as the world prepares for the pivotal COP16 conference.
Host/Producer:
Marina Bellot
Senior Technical Advisor, United Nations Development Programme BIOFIN
Guest(s):
Juan Camilo Pinto
Special Advisor, Colombian Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development
Podcast series: The Global Impact of Regenerative Agriculture
By UNDP Learning for Nature
Learning How Regenerative Agriculture Can Combat the Climate Crisis
By: UNDP Learning for Nature
Learning How Regenerative Agriculture Can Combat the Climate Crisis
This episode featuring Jeff Moyer, Chief Executive Officer at Rodale Institute, defines regenerative agriculture and describes steps that policymakers and consumers can take to help support the transformation to regenerative agricultural systems.
Host/Producer:
Jamison Ervin
Global Programme on Nature for Development Manager, United Nations Development Programme
Guest(s):
Dr. Andrew Smith
Chief Operating Officer/Chief Scientist,
Rodale Institute
By UNDP Learning for Nature
Learning how Regenerative Agriculture can Increase Food Security
By: UNDP Learning for Nature
Learning how Regenerative Agriculture can Increase Food Security
This episode featuring Jeff Tkach, Chief Impact Officer at Rodale Institute, offers the ways regenerative organic agriculture can improve our global food systems, eradicate “hidden hunger,” and increase food security.
Host/Producer:
Jamison Ervin
Global Programme on Nature for Development Manager, United Nations Development Programme
Guest(s):
Jeff Tkach
Chief Impact Officer, Rodale Institute
By UNDP Learning for Nature
Learning about the Global Impact of Regenerative Agriculture
By: UNDP Learning for Nature
Learning about the Global Impact of Regenerative Agriculture
This episode featuring Dr. Andrew Smith, Chief Operating Officer/Chief Scientist at Rodale Institute focuses on how regenerative agricultural practices can combat the climate crisis by improving soil health.
Host/Producer:
Jamison Ervin
Global Programme on Nature for Development Manager, United Nations Development Programme
Guest(s):
Dr. Andrew Smith
Chief Operating Officer/Chief Scientist, Rodale Institute
Explore more
Master the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework:
Your One-Stop Shop for E-learning Resources
Dive deep into the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework with our curated collection of e-learning resources. Find everything you need to understand, implement, and champion action on biodiversity - from introductory courses to specialized topics. Start your learning journey today!
Partners and collaborators
Partners and collaborators
"Reimagine Our Future" video campaign
"Reimagine Our Future" video campaign
"If we reimagine our relationship with nature, we can create a world where..." Your voice has the power to shape the future! Join our global video campaign and share your vision for a world where people and nature thrive together. Record a short video answering the prompt. Post it on Instagram with the hashtags #NatureForLife and #ReimagineOurFuture and see it featured on the Nature for Life Hub website. Let's inspire the world!
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