TEHRAN –In a ceremony held by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) on Monday, Miras Parishan Kazeroon (MPK), an Iranian Non-Governmental Organization (NGO), was honored as one of the winners of the prestigious Equator Prize 2024.

In August, the UNDP announced MPK as one of the prize’s honorees. 

This year, eleven indigenous peoples and local communities from eight countries across Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean were honored as the winners of the 2024 Equator Prize.

Selected from over 600 nominations spanning 102 countries, these winners exemplify the theme ‘Nature for Climate Action’ showcasing the transformative power of Indigenous and locally-led nature-based solutions in addressing the climate crisis.

MPK, an NGO established in 2014 and a grantee of UNDP’s Global Environment Facility (GEF) Small Grants Programme (SGP), has been at the forefront of wetland conservation. 

MPK focuses on raising awareness about the dangers wetlands face while strengthening community resilience against climate change. 

Through a network of civil society organizations, MPK advocates for national collaborative protection systems and champions local climate adaptation efforts.

Recognized as a leader in wetland restoration, MPK employs innovative techniques and mobilizes environmental advocates to drive positive change.

Key initiatives of MPK include introducing alternative livelihoods to reduce reliance on natural resources and leverage local resources to protect and restore vital wetland ecosystems.

These initiatives involve establishing the Parishan International Wetland Research and Information Center, enhancing local communities’ negotiation skills, and creating communication networks among stakeholders to engage in decision-making, policy development, and collaborative efforts for wetland conservation.

Additionally, they focus on raising public awareness and educating the next generation about the importance of wetland ecosystems and the impacts of climate change, empowering them to sustainably protect natural resources.

MPK has received numerous awards, including “National Hero for Wetlands” by the Department of Environment in 2022, first place in “Innovative Ideas for Sustainable Livelihoods in Wetlands” in 2022, and recognition as one of six NGOs awarded the Energy Globe Foundation Prize in 2022.

In 2023, MPK earned first place in the “National Environment Award” presented by the Vice Presidency Organization of Environmental Protection.

UNDP Iran, through its projects, continues to support initiatives that benefit local communities, promote sustainable practices, and ensure the transfer of environmental knowledge and conservation of natural resources for future generations.

Equator Prize

The Equator Prize, organized biennially by the Equator Initiative within UNDP, honors exceptional community efforts in conserving and sustainably using biodiversity.

As these sustainable initiatives gain momentum across the tropics, they contribute to a global movement of local successes that collectively advance the Global Goals.

By highlighting the work of local and indigenous communities, the Equator Prize brings their achievements to the international stage, celebrating their commitment to sustainable development. This is the second time Iran has won this prize, the first being in 2015.

MT/MG