Solomon Islands Conservation Project wins "Equator Prize"

The Arnavon Community Marine Conservation Area Project in Solomon Islands is selected by the Equator Initiative’s Technical Advisory Committee as one of the 25 winners of the Equator Prize 2008, for providing a strong demonstration of the inventiveness of community-based work undertaken in the Pacific often against tremendous odds.

Besides Arnavon, another two Pacific NGOs that have been recognized globally for outstanding community marine conservation work include the Nguna-Pele Marine Protected Area of Vanuatu and the Conservation Society of Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia

The Equator Initiative is a partnership that brings together the United Nations, civil society, businesses, governments and communities to help build the capacity and raise the profile of grassroots people in an effort to reduce poverty through the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity.

Each winner will receive US$5,000 and a Certificate of Achievement to be presented at the Equator Prize Award Ceremony in Barcelona, Spain on 6th October, 2008.

As contenders, an additional US$15,000 will be awarded at the same event to five special recognized initiatives that represent the most outstanding community efforts to reduce poverty and conserve biodiversity in the equatorial belt.

The ceremony is part of the Equator Initiative’s participation in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) World Conservation Congress taking place in Barcelona from October 6-10.

Source: Pacific Magazine