Winners by region

YAWA is a portable, multifunctional and sustainable technology capable of obtaining up to 300 liter of water per day from atmospheric humidity and mist. This technology can be applied to provide access to drinking water to communities, in agricultural and forestry projects, and for the irrigation of green buildings. Yawa is an alternative that will allow us to prepare for the future in the face of an imminent water shortage that 33 countries will suffer in the world in the year 2040.

Millions of tons of polluting plastic waste are produced every year in Latin America and the world. Most of this is due to the usage of disposable products. Single-use plastic cups are a great exponent in that group. They are generally utilized for just a few minutes and then become obsolete and take hundreds of years to decompose. After being thrown away, they become dangerous pollutants that affect our ecosystems, endanger our health, and end up in what we drink, in our food, and even in the air we breathe.

Sorui brings about a solution to this problem. This project raises the possibility of replacing disposable plastic cups, with machines that automatically produce and dispense biodegradable cups in situ. This alternative composition is based on algae extracts and disappears entirely in less than two weeks, re-entering the natural cycles of matter and avoiding the current generation of residues.

One quarter of Rio's population live in favelas, with social marginalization, inadequate infrastructure, and unaffordable energy supply with prices doubling in the last decade. This low-income population perceives energy services as expensive, unreliable, unfair, low quality and distant from their reality. Revolusolar partners with two favelas to co-create a new affordable, community-based and sustainable energy model, aligned with the traditions of collective action and self-management of these territories. The solution includes solar installations, professional training to local residents as electricians and solar installers, and workshops for childrens on sustainability. In 2020, we're implementing the first solar cooperative in a favela. The financing model includes institutional sponsors and a rental component: the solar beneficiaries pay a monthly fee (part of the savings with the electricity bill). We expect this pilot to be the beginning of a Solar Revolution, aiming for sustainable development of low-income communities through solar energy.

Connected by Nature is an initiative of the NGO “Somos Más Decididos” which empowers children and young students to assume their role as changemakers in caring for the planet through sustainable lifestyles

The team identified their lack of connection to nature and protected areas, due to the lack of direct interaction these children have with their environment. Through our work, children are able to have visceral, first hand experiences with biodiversity conservation through visits and field trips which spark their imaginations, increase their biophilia, develop their knowledge and allow them to interact and be inspired by the organisations and individuals driving this conservation work.

During these educational trips, participants discover the environmental services of reefs and wetlands, they also clean beaches and reforest mangroves, learn about the production processes of plants, as well as the production of home-made cheese and chocolate to understand responsible consumption. This is effectively achieved by linking this to their school curriculum and subjects such as Biology, Chemistry, Ecology and Natural Sciences.

Sumando Impactos por Los Cobanos is a project which targets a natural protected area with the only coral reef in El Salvador. It centers on community cohesion and a shared vision to achieve sustainable development. The project is based on the integrated management of solid waste and on the conservation of natural resources in the short, medium and long term, with a holistic approach to human development, strengthening of social skills, upskilling for ecotourism and environmental management. The aim is to promote the sustainable management of natural resources in this sensitive area to both promote sustainable economic growth and prosperity for its inhabitants while preserving its unique ecosystem.

Over the last 18 months we worked with the local community to build a unique local brand identity along with a communication strategy to support environmental behaviour change. We installed a waste segregation system and improved ecotourism potential through ecosystem conservation. This has only been made possible by the integration of a permanent, multidisciplinary and engaged team, working on the continued alliance with local government, the private sector, central government and civil society.

Inspired by the Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit Sharing to the Convention on Biological Diversity, Genecoin was created. Its mission is to take advantage of blockchain and machine learning technologies to track the biodiversity used in products, allowing companies to gain confidence, legal certainty and transparency along their supply chain - and to map the origin, journey and impact of their supplies in an accessible and trustworthy manner. Furthermore, Genecoin aims to use blockchain as a tool to comply with Brazilian law, improving traceability. Combined with implementation of smart contracts, this will allow the distribution of revenue along the entire supply chain to ensure all stakeholders to be compensated in a fair, equitable and transparent way. Our platform was developed in partnership with local communities and is currently working alongside with the largest Atlantic Forest private reserve.

The Brazilian semi-arid region is characterized by a dry climate and little rain, with long periods of drought. Families have limited access to water. The soil conditions also make it difficult to produce food that guarantees adequate nutrition and health, especially for children and houses are often constructed without technical support. Our bioconstruction project called “Casa do Semiárido” aims to promote sustainable local development, by constructing houses more suited to the Northeast region of Brazil. The houses mimic natural phenomena to enhance performance and are constructed entirely from natural materials, such as earth and wood, with natural lighting and cooling integrated. The principles of permaculture ensure that all elements of the design supply are recycled or reused, and food is also produced at the home, with water captured, stored, properly managed, and reused. We aim to bring together government, community, private companies and academic institutions to produce high-value food supplies for families. The Semiárid House will provide, clean water, food, comfortable shelter for the family, while bringing the community together by the shared knowledge and work.

In nature there is no such thing as something which has no value. That's why garbage in nature does not exist – it is a human invention and it is up to us to stop generating it, while improving our quality of life. Today our lifestyle of consumerism is making us stressed and sick – and pushing us into ecological overdraft. By incorporating a series of simple strategies in everyday life, a person can generate between 50 percent and 90 percent less rubbish. With these strategies, I started the Trash Foundation. My life has changed from taking an hour each day in getting ready for my day, to taking only 15 minutes. I went from taking 40 minutes to work to 10 minutes by using my bicycle, which helps me keep in shape and avoid getting sick. By using conscious decision-making about our lifestyle choices, we can all be part of the change. We are a community, and our partners contribute to the organization with a monthly payment. We send our community information and tips so they can start their own transition at home. We have already implement 14 socio-environmental training courses to empower young people from all regions of Chile, and published two books in English and Spanish that have been around the world.

The textile industry is the second most polluting industry. Green Hug aims to create a sustainable brand and a green movement. As co-founder of Green Hug, our 100 percent sustainable clothing line makes clothes out of garbage: 50 percent from PET bottles, 50 percent from recycled clothing. Compared to conventional clothing, our environmental impact is reduced up to 90 percent. Our brand seeks to inspire young people to be part of the change. Our T-shirts are made from 100 percent recycled materials, saving 1,865 liters of water, 9kw of energy and 2.86 kilograms of carbon dioxide per garment. We support Mexican artisans through our online, and deliver all our orders in a 100 percent recycled cardboard box with an informational label that you can plant back into the soil. We have developed a story for children inviting readers to adopt a tree and we deliver an adoption certificate.

Sustainable Development and Water for All produces Aqualuz, a UN-recognized device that costs only US$125 and will reduce the problem of water infection through a rainwater-harvesting system from the semi-arid areas of Brazil. Applying the UNICEF and WHO recommended principle of solar water disinfection, they have developed Aqualuz as the only technology in the world for cisterns. It only needs sunlight to make rainwater suitable for consumption.

The Ekomuro H2O + project is an innovative rainwater harvesting system, modularly developed using 54 reused 3l plastic bottles which, interconnected, create a vertical pressure resistant water tank occupying a minimum space. We intend to change of attitudes and promote a culture of water saving. By preserving water, people will recognize it as a strategic natural resource that strengthens resilience, reduces water-related risks and vulnerabilities and supports climate change adaptation. In addition, with the reuse of plastic bottles, we will help to raise awareness about the proper disposal of plastic waste in order to mitigate the environmental impacts that they have on our planet.

Coral Vita is created a global network of innovative land-based coral farms, using breakthrough methods developed at the Mote Marine Lab and the Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology to grow corals up to fifty times faster while strengthening their resiliency to climate change. The land-based farms are scalable, allowing Coral Vita to grow millions of corals from a single site. Coral Vita’s business model supports restoration efforts, and by taking a community-based approach we integrate local actors to promote long-term reef stewardship.

In the Ecuadorian Amazon, when bananas are harvested, significant plant waste is generated (stem, rachis, leaves). These wastes can be used to create an effective biofilter that can remove pollutants from water, including toxic hydrocarbons released by the extractive industry. Thus,  clean water can be recovered to improve the lives of local people. The banana plant waste can also be used as a substrate on which to cultivate edible fungi to enhance food security. The banana is cultivated in several parts of the world, so this idea can be replicated elsewhere. Further more it will generate employment and economic opportunities. I am currently working on the physical and chemical characterization of banana crop residues, specifically the Dominico harton type. I am also isolating strains of edible fungi of the genus Pleurotus as part of my initial investigation.

Green roofs are eco-friendly infrastructures in the city of Quito, Ecuador. Selecting native plants suitable for green roofs is the key to making these infrastructures a success and ensuring that they are welcomed by citizens, authorities and industry alike. The use of native plants makes the city greener and restores the bird and insect biodiversity that has been displaced by urbanization. The project focusses on propagating and experimenting with different native plant species on green roofs to see how they fare.

Carbon accounting for schools is a social project that aims to encourage students to take responsibility for their own carbon footprint. It promotes an educational and dynamic environment by raising students’ awareness of ways to reduce their carbon footprint and offset the emissions they generate and release into the environment. If actions that can reduce emissions are learned and practised in schools, students can then share this knowledge with their families and, in the future, with their own children. This knowledge-sharing will prepare current and future generations for the challenges presented by climate change.

Although the Tambopata National Reserve is a protected natural area in Peru, it was invaded by gold miners who entered the area illegally, destroying thousands of hectares of rainforest and contaminating the food chain with mercury, leaving behind arid land with no signs of life. The miners have been evicted from these areas with the help of constant monitoring activities, but the pioneer tree species that were present prior to the mining activities still need to be restored. The forest will then regenerate and fauna will return to the area, so that rural and native communities living in the region can work in eco-tourism. This forest is a beautiful landscape that must be recognized and protected.

SERES (Social equity, resilience & ecosystem sustainability) cultivates and generates momentum for youth leadership to build fair and sustainable communities in Central America. Young people provide us with an opportunity to capitalize on their creative ideas and energy, which can make significant contributions to addressing the complex social, environmental and economic challenges that the region faces. SERES combines leadership development and practical engagement, building a movement to create dynamic community leaders and sustainability entrepreneurs who are finding creative ways to tackle climate change and build community resilience.

This focus is designed to work in general terms (people-led movements that campaign for change) and on a more profound level (developing highly skilled and transformative leaders) and aims to create change at an individual and a community level with huge implications.
Young people find their voice and start to develop the necessary skills for good governance, benefiting the health and well-being of the community in the long term.

I want to democratize knowledge on water, sanitation and agriculture (WSA) through an online educational platform that shares high quality content and provides online mentorships. The courses will teach practical knowledge in how to build WSA solutions, so anyone, anywhere, can built them with local materials and local workforce. The target market will be rural communities that are increasingly getting connected to the internet that lack of proper infrastructure on water, sanitation and agriculture on developing countries (by 2020 will be 4 billion additional internet users) and will be based in a freemium model.