Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity

MESSAGE From

Mr. Ahmed Djoghlaf, Executive Secretary to the Equator Prize finalists

United Nations Environment Programme

413 Saint-Jacques Street, Suite 800 Montreal, Quebec, Canada H2Y 1N9

Tel.: +1.514.288.2220 Fax: +1.514.288.6588

www.biodiv.org secretariat@biodiv.org

As a proud partner of the Equator Initiative, it is with great pleasure that I congratulate the 25 finalists for the Equator Prize. These finalists, whose projects range from ecotourism and community fishery cooperatives to sustainable crocodile-egg harvesting and eco-agriculture, underscore the importance of thinking globally and acting locally. By helping to lay the foundation for a global movement of local successes that collectively make a significant contribution to achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), they also serve to highlight the increasing global recognition of the strong links between poverty and the environment. It is with much anticipation that we look forward to the awards ceremony to be held on World Environment Day on 5 June in Germany. Since its establishment the Equator Initiative has made a significant contribution in advancing the biodiversity agenda and recognizing the local level contribution made in the field in promoting the objectives of the Convention and emulating good examples. This unique contribution is more than ever required in light of the biodiversity challenges facing mankind and the need to redouble efforts to achieving the 2010 biodiversity target. As 2010 has been declared by UNGA resolution 61/203 as the International Year on Biodiversity, I look forward to another significant contribution of the Equator Initiative in achieving the objective of this international event.

Between the LinesEquator Initiative

In this issue . . .Issue 11 >> March 2007

Members of the Nam Ha Ecoguide Tourism Project in Lao PDR

The Equator PrizeSelection Process

Get the behind the scenes lookat the Equator Prize 2006

selection process.

Equator Prize 2006Finalists!

Twenty-five community basedinitiatives have been selected as

the Equator Prize finalists

Announcing

Butterfly farming at Amani Reserve in Tanzania

Members of COPRONAT in Senegal

Dear Friends and Colleagues,

In our last newsletter we announced the launch of theEquator Prize 2006. Five months later, we are pleased torelease this year’s finalist communities. These are exemplary models of the countless communities aroundthe world that are making exceptional efforts towardsachieving the MDGs through the conservation andsustainable use of biodiversity.

The finalists represent a small fraction of the number ofoutstanding nominations that we received in 2006.As we celebrate these 25 outstanding efforts, we arecelebrating the contribution of communities andgrassroots initiatives worldwide to biodiversityconservation and poverty reduction.

This issue also gives an overview of the prizeselection process and introduces the pre-eminentindividuals who make up the Jury for the Prize. Withoutfurther ado, we are pleased to introduce to you thefinalists for the Equator Prize 2006!

Sincerely,

The Equator Initiative Team

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INTRODUCING THE FINALISTSFOR THE EQUATOR PRIZE 2006

AFRICA

Pole Pole Foundation/Kahuzi-Biega National ParkDemocratic Republic of theCongo

Amidst political turmoil andregional unrest, the Pole PoleFoundation has providedsanctuary for Kahuzi-BiegaNational Park’s native animals and plants. Based in the park, thefoundation has been a drivingforce in the local conservation

movement since its inception in 1992. This progressiveinitiative works closely with local communities throughits carving programs ‘poachers to artisans’, environmental education, reintegration of displacedindigenous families, and reforestation efforts. A treenursery provides seedlings for the reforestation projectthat has planted 426,000 trees since 1997 and suppliestimber and firewood, as well as raw materials fortraditional crafts.

Collectif des Groupements d’Interets Economiques des Femmes pour la Protection de laNature (COPRONAT)Women’s collective for the advancement of economic well-being and the protection of nature(COPRONAT)Senegal

Since 1988, COPRONAT, a partnership between localcommunities and the Senegalese government, hasprotected the Popenguine Natural Reserve. Thiscollective of women’s groups in nine villages is

responsible for managing mangrove nurseries,reforestation, waste management, and environmentaleducation. The group has made significant contributionstowards restoring the mangrove ecosystem andpreserving the biodiversity of the reserve andsurrounding areas, affecting a total of 100 squarekilometers. Their success has seen the progressivereturn of threatened jackal, mongoose, civet, grayduiker, patas monkey and bushbuck. Collectivemembers benefit from access to micro-credit for incomegenerating activities and butane gas as an alternativeto fuel wood.

The Village of AndavadoakaMadagascar

Economic and environmental factors in Madagascar’s village of Andavadoaka were threatening the localoctopus population, putting a major strain on thevillage’s traditional source of livelihood. In response, villageleaders teamed up withmarine conservationists tostabilize the species.Combining traditionalknowledge with modernscience, the two partiesformulated a plan involvingseasonal bans on octopusfishing. As a result of thisproject, the average octopussize and catch has increasedsteadily. The project has beenso successful that nearly adozen nearby villages havealready replicated the model.

The Equator Prize 2006 finalists are in – and we couldn’t be more excited! Selected from over 310 nominations, the 25 finalists stand out as exemplary initiatives for poverty reduction and the conservation and sustainable use ofbiodiversity. It was no simple task to choose amongst the scores of inspiring and qualified community projects. Thesheer number of praiseworthy endeavors presented quite an administrative challenge as well as an encouragingindication that grassroots initiatives and community-level action are making significant and important strides towardsreducing poverty, conserving biodiversity and achieving the MDGs.

Below you will find the official list of the 25 Equator Prize 2006 finalists as well as a summary of each finalist’s work. Within this eclectic group you will find communities engaged in a wide variety of poverty reduction and biodiversityconservation activities. There are the marine life conservationists who are actively protecting crocodiles, crabs,octopuses, and a variety of fish species. Others have been engaged in promoting sustainable businesses involvingmicrofinance, processed foods, and agriculture. Habitat restoration has touched wetland, forest, and grassland alike.The summaries give a glimpse into the breadth and uniqueness of this year’s finalists. It is therefore with great pleasure that we announce the finalist communities and share some of the stories behind their exciting work.

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Shompole Community TrustKenya

Since 1979, the Shompole Ranch, spanning over62,000 hectares of Kenya’s grasslands and savannahs, has preserved and restored the local environment. Re-emerging and thriving wetlands have attracted anincreasing number of tourists. Revenue fromecotourism has been invested through the ShompoleCommunity Trust in protecting and restoring theenvironment, as well as in funding healthcare services,education, water supply, and school fees. The trust, alegally recognized corporation, is owned by the Maasaipeople and addresses issues of socio-economicdevelopment on behalf of the community.http://www.shompole.com

Pole des actions d’integration des droits humaines en Afrique (PACINDHA)African Center for the Integration of HumanRights (PACINDHA)Mali

In the Malian community of Ouelessebougou, theDetarium Microcarpum plant provides fuel wood, oil,and medicines, as well as being an important source ofnutrition and income. In 2004, PACINDHA, inpartnership with the community and local authorities,set out to restore the plant population, which had beenendangered by overuse and bush fires. Communityprotection committees in 10 villages have sinceprotected and restored 200 hectares of degradedDetarium Microcarpum. Sustainable harvests haveprovided income for women’s cooperatives, children’s school fees, agricultural tools and livestock.

Association Songtaab-YalgréBurkina Faso

Burkina Faso’s rural women’s association, Songtaab-Yalgré, has been working to produce organic sheabutter for export internationally for 12 years. Theassociation now works with 11 villages and over 3,000women, distributing income equally amongst membersof the collective. As a result of this initiative, theincome of 1140 rural women has tripled and nearly20,000 shea nut trees are protected and managedwithout pesticides. The association devotes a portion ofits resources to HIV/AIDS education and literacytraining for women and youth.www.songtaaba.net

Kipsaina Crane and Wetland Conservation GroupKenya

The Kipsaina Crane and Wetlands Conservation Group(KCWCG) formed in 1990 as a partnership of localcommunities to conserve and restore the Saiwa SwampNational Park in Kenya. Through protecting andrestoring wetland areas, this initiative has ensured thatneighbouring communities have access to a reliable andclean source of water year round. As a result of theconservation group’s efforts, community members are now engaged in new types of business such asbeekeeping, eco-tourism, and agro-forestry. Theseefforts have resulted in a fivefold increase in the greycrowned crane population as well as increased incomefrom honey, fish, and produce sales.

Amani Nature ReserveTanzania

The Amani Nature Reserve was founded in 1997 in thesubmontane forest ecosystem of the East UsambaraMountains. Communities resident in the reserve haveworked with park officials to establish an ecotourismventure and encourage sustainable fish, butterfly,dairy, and land farming practices which have lead tosubstantially higherproduction and income.Training on bio-intensivegardening, soil erosion, andsustainable forestry practiceshas also spread throughoutthe communities that live inthe reserve. As stakeholdersin the reserve’s productive capacity, the communitiesearn a fifth of the revenuefrom the ecotourism ventureand the Amani ecosystemremains stable and healthy.

Lounging at the Shompole Community Lodgein Kenya

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Nam Ha Ecoguide ServiceLao PDR

The Nam Ha National Protected Area hires and trainslocal residents as ecoguides and operators of village-based lodges and forest camps. Nam Ha guides andservice providers monitor threats to biodiversity in theprotected area and advise on appropriate levels andmeans to harvest forest-based resources. The membersof the Ecoguide Service also prevent the sale of wildlife,as well as manage animal and plant sanctuaries in theirvillages. Additional income earned through theEcoguide Service has been invested in medical servicesand rice supplies to fill seasonal shortages. TheEcoguide Service has also supported a VillageDevelopment Fund which has put in place clean watersystems, footbridges, reservoirs and access roads.

Aharam Traditional Crops Producers’ Company (TCPC)India

Aharam TCPC is an agro-biodiversity enterprise thatworks with marginal farmers and landless laborers toencourage the conservation of traditional crop diversityin Tamilnadu, India. Aharam’s activities include the collection and cultivation of over 50 seed varieties for15 species of traditional crops, the sustainablecollection of 45 species of medicinal herbs and theprovision of training in organic farming to local farmers.By facilitating access to new markets and marketinglocally-produced and collected crops, Aharam hasgenerated increased income for 150 farmer, artisan andself-help groups. This initiative has also contributed tothe response to the 2004 tsunami by assisting survivorsto produce high value goods and develop practices toreduce vulnerability to future disasters.

Pederasyon sa Nagkahiusang mga Mag-uuma ngaNanalipud ug Nagpasig-uli sa Kinaiyahan Inc.(PENAGMANNAK)The Federation of United Farmers People’s Organization (PENAGMANNAK)Philippines

PENAGMANNAK, a federation of 17 communityorganizations, works to protect the Mt. Talinis - TwinLakes Biodiversity Conservation Area. Through acomprehensive set of conservation initiatives, the localfarmers are engaged in soil and water managementwhile others community members help monitor andevaluate biodiversity in the surrounding forests. Theestablishment of a community-based wildlife sanctuary,home to thousands of endemic flying foxes, has been anotable success. A growing ecotourism industry hasraised enough revenue to allow most of the localchildren to attend school.

Center for Empowerment and ResourceDevelopment (CERD)Phillippines

In 1996, the Center for Empowerment and ResourceDevelopment (CERD) entered into partnership with thelocal village leaders in Hinatuan Bay to catalyzeenvironmental conservation and economicdevelopment. The initiative has included the creation ofseven fish sanctuaries, restoration of 117 hectares ofmangroves, and successful lobbying for reform of localfishing law. As a result, the fish population hasincreased by nearly a third while average fish catcheshave increased by 50%. With these improvements tothe fishery, the average income within the communityhas doubled.http://cerd.ph/

ASIA AND THE PACIFIC

Children benefiting from the CERD boattransport project in the Philippines

Field monitoring in Nam Ha, Lao PDR

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Shidhulai Swanirvar SangsthaBangladesh

Shidhulai Swanirvar Sangstha uses Bangladesh’s extensive river network to spread environmentaleducation. Boats have been outfitted to travel fromfarm to farm bringing new technologies, information,strategies, and tools. Villagers have learned andimplemented ways to avoid problems such as soilerosion, ground and water contamination, over-fishing,and habitat destruction. Access to this information hasresulted in higher income which has enabled residentsto pay their children’s education expenses, gain access to better healthcare, and improve living conditions. TheShidhulai Swanirvar Sangstha reaches an estimated87,000 families each year.www.shidhulai.org

Phu My Lepironia Wetland Conservation ProjectVietnam

The lepironia grasses that grow near Phu My Village arecustomarily woven into a variety of traditionalhandicrafts. These grasses comprise the last extensiveremnant of lepironia grassland ecosystem of theMekong river delta. To save the species as well as thecommunity’s most valuable resource, the Phu My Lepironia Wetland Conservation Project was born.Villagers have been enforcing a new model of lepironiaharvesting, such that harvesting only the desirablegrasses has replaced mass and indiscriminant cutting.Invasive weeds have also been targeted anderadicated. As a result of these new practices, thelepironia crop has grown significantly and the averageincome amongst the villagers has tripled.

Sepik Wetlands Management Initiative (SWMI)Papua New Guinea

Fire-related environmental degradation andunsustainable harvesting practices in the wetlands ofthe upper Sepik River in Papua New Guinea threatenedthe crocodile population, a valuable resource to localcommunities. In response, the communities partneredwith the government, NGOs, and businesses to find asolution. SWMI established guidelines for thesustainable harvest of crocodile eggs, and overseesprotective measures for nesting crocodiles and theirhabitat. These activities have led to a reassuring rise inthe crocodile population as revenue from thesustainable harvest of crocodile skins and eggs providesvalued income to the stakeholder communities.

Crab Bay CommunityResource Management InitiativeVanuatu

The Malekula Island community launched the Crab BayCommunity Resource Management Initiative in 2000 tohalt the decline of the local marine ecosystem. With theclosure of six hundred hectares of fishing area and theprovision of village-based education in sustainableresource management, the initiative has successfullyreplenished the local land crab population. With over90% of the community involved in the project, thenumber of crab burrows has increased eightfold and thenumber of Trochi (seashells) has grown fivefold in onlytwo years. The revitalized local fishery supplies thecommunity with food and the sale of surpluses has ledto increased income which has gone largely towardschildren’s school fees, and basic health services.

“If the students cannot come to the school...then the school should come tothem” -Abul Hasanat Mohammed Rezwan,Executive Director of Shidhulai Swanivar

Sangstha in Bangladesh

Members of the Crab Bay Community inVanuatu

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Alimentos Nutri-NaturalesGuatemala

The maya nut was once a staple food for the ancientMayans but is threatened with extinction due to thespread of logging and conversion of land to agriculture.In Guatemala, women are using their traditionalknowledge to process the maya nut into nutritious foodand income. Since the project’s inception, the community-based workers have helped to conserve90,000 hectares of maya nut forests and to plant150,000 new trees across Guatemala. Through apartnership with the local government, maya nutsnacks will be distributed in schools as a healthyalternative to cookies at lunch time.

Federación Plurinacional de Turismo Comunitariodel Ecuador (FEPTCE)Federation for Ecuadorian Community Tourism(FEPTCE)Ecuador

A partnership of sixty community-based initiativescomposed of indigenous peoples, afro-Ecuadorians, andfarmers, FEPTCE focuses on encouraging eco-friendlytourism. Since FEPTCE’s establishment in 2002, participating communities have experienced anincreased quality of life, gaining access to healthservices and education, increased employment, andpublic interest in biodiversity and agriculture.Communities have invested in reforestation and theprotection of native flora and fauna, successfullyprotecting 25,000 hectares in order to use the region’s biodiversity as a marketing tool to promote tourism.Conserving biodiversity has permitted the FEPTCEcommunities to diversify their economy, leading toadded income and an improved standard of living.www.turismocomunitario.ec

Asociación para laConservación de laReserva IndígenaBIOITZAThe Association forthe Protection ofthe Itzá BiosphereGuatemala

The Association for the Protection of the Itzá Biosphere(BIOITZA) is a non-profit organization owned by theMaya Itza, indigenous inhabitants of the forests ofPetén, Guatemala. This indigenous association of 66families protects the biodiversity of the 3,600 hectareBIOITZA reserve through income-generating activitiessuch as the sustainable production of shampoos andsoaps, and the processing of traditional medicinalplants. The organization also creates revenue byoffering Spanish language classes to tourists andguided tours through its medicinal garden andsurrounding areas of natural and cultural importance.www.ecobioitza.org

Asociación para la Investigación y el DesarrolloIntegral –AIDERAssociation for Integrated Development andResearch –AIDERPeru

Working in partnership with 14 indigenouscommunities, AIDER has developed a community-basedforest management plan for the Ucayali region in thePeruvian Amazon rainforest. The community-ledconservation area covers 150,000 hectares ofrainforest, a critical habitat for 21 species listed asendangered by the Peruvian government due to illegalextraction, hunting, and harmful commercial activities.Characterized by its participative, intercultural, andgender-balanced approach, AIDER strengthens thecapacity of local communities to manage their naturalheritage in a sustainable manner.www.aider.com.pe

FrutaSã, Industria e Comércio Exportação Ltda.FrutaSã, Industry and Trade Export Ltd.Brazil

FrutaSã is a joint conservation-business partnershipventure owned by a local indigenous association and anNGO. FrutaSã is creating income for indigenouspopulations and small farmers through the sustainableextraction, marketing, and sales of native fruit pulps

Scenic view from an FEPTCE community inEcuador

LATIN AMERICA AND THE CARIBBEAN

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from the threatened Cerrado region of Brazil. Thesustainable use of native fruits is helping stop theCerrado from being completely converted to pastureand soy plantations. In addition to generating incomefor over 300 families in the region, FrutaSa hassupervised the creation of a 160,000 hectare nationalpark, and routinely lobbies the government forenvironmental public policies and rights for the localcommunity.

Sociedad Cooperativa de Producción Pesquera“Pescadores de Vigía Chico y Cozumel” Cooperative Fish Production Society “Fisherman of Vigia Chico and Cozumel”Mexico

Working together, these two fishing cooperativespromote the sustainable management of lobster fishingwithin the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the state of Quintana Roo,Mexico. A community trust fund, endowed by externaldonors, enables fishermen to buy more expensivelobster traps made out of concrete. Replacingtraditional palm tree traps has helped conserve theendangered palm species. The trust fund also providessecurity to local fishermen and their families in times offinancial difficulty and natural disasters such ashurricanes. Strategically involving all members of thecooperatives in decision-making has drasticallydecreased illegal and environmentally destructivefishing practices.

Asociación de Mujeres de Isabela “Pescado Azul”Isabela Women’s Association “Blue Fish”Ecuador

This women’s cooperative on the Island of Isabela in the Galápagos Islands is providing jobs for unemployedwomen and sustainable economic alternatives forfishermen. Traditionally, the fishermen have relied ondeclining coastal sea cucumber, lobster, and sharkpopulations for their livelihood. The Mujeres de Isabelaassociation provides an alternative by creating a market

for tuna, a migratory species, which is processed,smoked and sold to tourists. The project alsocontributes to the conservation of the Galapagos byusing guava wood, a destructive invasive species, tosmoke the fish.

Community Tours Sian Ka’an (CTSK)Mexico

Community Tours Sian Ka'an (CTSK), Mayan for “where the sky is born,” is a community-based, ecologically-sustainable tourism alliance of three Mayancooperatives in the UNESCO Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve. By regulating the influx of tourists andproviding high quality services, they have been able toraise their tour prices by 40% leading to increasedcommunity income with the least amount ofenvironmental impact. CTSK is both financially andenvironmentally sustainable, estimating that tourism inSian Ka’an attracts over USD $5 million annually and dedicating 5% of its income to conserve the localecosystem.www.siankaantours.org

CoopeTárcoles R.L. –Cooperativa de PescadoresArtesanales de TárcolesArtisan Fishing Cooperative of TárcolesCosta Rica

The first fishing cooperative in Central America todevelop a Code of Responsible Fishing, CoopeTárcolesR.L. works to preserve local fishery customs in order toensure the sustainability of fishing and conservation ofsea life. Since 90% of the population in Tárcoles makestheir living off the fishery, it is of utmost importance tomaintain the viability of this resource. CoopeTárcolesprovides a conservation education database for localfishermen to keep track of catches and monitorendangered species. They also work with variousinstitutions to gain national recognition, and partnerwith hotels to provide guided tours of the fishingcooperative to promote a better understanding of localfishing practices.

The birds of Isabela Island in the Galápagos

Seeing double in the Mexican village ofSian Ka’an

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The Equator Prize 2006 was officially launched onAugust 15, 2006. By the close of nominations onOctober 31st, over 310 worthy initiatives had beennominated for the prize. Here began the task of siftingthrough the nominations and picking out the best froma group of phenomenal alternatives.

To evaluate the nominations, the Equator Initiativerecruited a forty-member volunteer Technical AdvisoryCommittee (TAC) made up of experts in the fields ofsustainable development, conservation, biodiversity,community development, and green business fromaround the globe. (See a list of this year’s TAC members). After extensive deliberation the preliminarylist of 25 finalists was decided.

The preliminary finalists were then verified forauthenticity and fit with respect to the Equator Prizecriteria. The verification process involved outreachthrough Equator Initiative partners, UN country offices,the references given along with each nomination, aswell as to other trusted colleagues in the developmentnetwork. Engaging with diverse opinions ensured thatall those chosen as finalists were truly great examplesof biodiversity conservation and poverty reduction.

The Equator Prize process, however, doesn’t end quite yet! Five winners, one from each region of eligibility(Africa, Asia & the Pacific, Latin America & theCaribbean), along with a biodiversity-based businessand an initiative associated with a UNESCO WorldHeritage Site, will be chosen by the Equator Prize 2006jury of eminent persons listed below.

We are extremely honored that these individuals haveagreed to donate their valuable time and attention toraising the profile of community efforts to conservebiodiversity and reduce poverty through the spotlight ofthe Equator Prize. Learn about the jury.

This year’s winners will be announced in May 2007 and will be honoured in Germany in June 2007 at a specialaward ceremony hosted by the German government.Stay tuned for more about the Equator Prize 2006winners as well as the award ceremony!

With another prize cycle wrapping up, the EquatorInitiative would like to thank and acknowledge all whohelped make this possible. We would like to thank allthose who spent the time to send in their nominationsand share their local practices with us, everyone on theTAC for their thoughtful reviews and suggestions, andfinally, the jury members in advance for agreeing tocontribute their valued time and expertise. Thank youall for helping make the Equator Prize 2006 a success!

Equator Prize 2006 Jury

Her Royal Highness Princess Basma Bint TalalRoyal Hashemite Fund for Human Development, Jordan

Dr. Mohamed El-AshryFormer CEO, Global Environment Facility (GEF)

Ms. Yolanda Kakabadse NavarroExecutive President, Fundación Futuro LatinoamericanoChair, Scientific & Technical Advisory Panel, GlobalEnvironment Facility (STAP/GEF)

Professor Jeffrey D. SachsDirector, Earth Institute at Columbia UniversityPresident, Millennium Promise Alliance

Professor M.S. SwaminathanChairman, M. S. Swaminathan Research Foundation

Ms. Victoria Tauli-CorpuzExecutive Director, Tebtebba FoundationChairperson, UN Permanent Forum on IndigenousIssues

EQUATOR PRIZE 2006: SELECTION PROCESS

About the Equator InitiativeThe Equator Initiative is a partnership designed to reduce

poverty through the conservation and sustainable use ofbiodiversity in the equatorial belt by fostering, supporting,and strengthening community partnerships.

Equator Initiative Partners

Government of Canada

Conservation International

Convention on Biological Diversity

Fordham University

German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation &

Development (BMZ)

IDRC - International Development Research Centre

IUCN - The World Conservation Union

The Nature Conservancy

Rare

Television Trust for the Environment

United Nations Foundation

United Nations Development Programme

Contact Information

Equator Initiative, UNDP

405 Lexington Avenue, 5th Floor

New York, NY 10174, U.S.A.

Tel: +1 212-457-1709

Fax: +1 212-457-1370

www.equatorinitiative.org