Selection

The UNEP Sasakawa Prize laureate is chosen through a two-tier selection process.

Following a review of all nominations received at the close of the nomination period, a three-member Selection Panel comprised of respected environmental experts will select a short-list of candidates. The panelists are chosen for their knowledge of the year’s theme.

From the short-listed candidates a winner (or co-winners as has been the case in the recent years) will be selected by the UNEP Sasakawa Prize Jury.

The Jury is composed of eminent persons in the field of environmental management and sustainable development. Members include: Prof. Wangari Maathai, Prof. Mario Molina, Ms. Wakako Hironaka and Mr. Achim Steiner.

Jury Members »

Criteria
The theme for this year’s prize is “Forests for People, Forests for Green Growth” in support of the United Nations International Year of Forests in 2011.

The Prize seeks to recognize the socio-environmental project or enterprise that is:

• Grassroots-based
• Innovative
• Most promising, sustainable and replicable
• Operating in emerging and developing countries
• Contributing to rural empowerment and helping boost local economies

In relation to the theme, the winning project must:

• Promote the conservation and sustainable management of forests
• Contribute to a meaningful reduction in carbon emissions caused by deforestation or forest degradation
• Maintain forest ecosystems to improve resilience to climate change
• Support development among forest-dependent communities
• Conserve biodiversity and help protect ecosystems in forests

Length of Candidacy

Nominees are considered annually. A new letter of nomination and an updated description of achievements will be required for each candidate.

Nomination Procedures

• Identify a candidate by completing the nomination form.
• Include name, home mailing address, present occupational title, institutional affiliation, nationality and date and place of birth.
• Attach curriculum vitae/résumé.
• Provide a maximum 1,500-word summary of the nominee’s achievements related to the theme. Be brief, precise and factual.
• Further details of the nominee’s achievements and qualifications for the UNEP Sasakawa Prize, which explain the value, effectiveness and replicability of the nominee’s contribution to environmental sustainability may also be submitted. Mention any significant involvement of other people or institutions.
• Submissions which do not comply with these criteria will not be considered.
• No candidate may nominate him/herself. Past recipients cannot be re-nominated.
  

Deadline

The nomination period for the 2010-11 UNEP Sasakawa Prize is from 1 August 2010 to 30 September 2010.

References

All nominations must be supported by three letters of recommendation from individuals who can assess the nominee's contributions, and who can be contacted by the selection panel.

Evidence of Achievements

The selection panel reserves the right to request examples of publications or other evidence that demonstrates the candidate's contributions within the scope of the year’s environmental theme. Such materials will be retained by UNEP unless otherwise requested.

How the Prize Will be Used

Each short-listed candidate will be required to submit a statement of no more than 1,500 words explaining how the UNEP Sasakawa Prize will contribute towards achieving tangible goals.

The winner of the UNEP Sasakawa Prize will be invited to deliver a progress report at the following year’s award ceremony, and will continue to be contacted for updates.