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We are the most relevant social and environmental movement. Every year we identify, connect and amplify the most important social and environmental projects in all the world.

We work throughout the year to promote and implement a fairer society in balance with nature, generating activities and training programs for socio-environmental change makers who join the movement. We like to define them as unstoppables who do not believe in the impossible.

OUR CATEGORIES

This 10th Edition presents 11 categories that are aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Circular Economy

Economic models that employ circularity of materials, reduce waste production and regenerate nature. Projects that reshape linear economy patterns by repurposing, redistributing, remanufacturing or reusing resources.

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Green Tech Startups

Purpose-driven, tech-based business models, companies and entrepreneurial ecosystems that help face global challenges by creating new opportunities and improving our lives.

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Renewable Energy

Projects that accelerate the transition towards clean and renewable energies, provide reliable energy supplies, improve energy security and reduce pollution risks.

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Resilient Cities and Communities

Resilience-based architectural design that builds healthier living conditions in urban and rural settings, addressing social, natural, and environmental issues.

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Sustainable Farming and Food Production

Programs that foster and promote the use of sustainable agricultural practices, reduce resource depletion and find new ways to feed the world responsibly.

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Sustainable Human Development

Sustainable development models that create economic growth, empower people, and protect the environment.

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Sustainable Finance

Development finance and philanthropic funding that strategically mobilize the green economy to propel businesses and create market opportunities.

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Land

Models to protect, restore and sustainably use lands and forests prevent desertification, soil degradation and improve the quality of life of species and ecosystems, strengthening global biodiversity.

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Fresh Water

Models promote universal access to clean water and its preservation. Projects include irrigation management, sustainable systems, water access, and purification.

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Marine Resources

Models focus on conserving and controlling ocean resource exploration for sustainable development. Topics include cleanliness, temperature, acidification, currents, marine life, and legislation.

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Circular Economy

Circular economy addresses global challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, waste and pollution, and is based on three design principles: the regeneration of nature, the circularity of materials and the elimination of waste production. Everything in nature is transformed and reused. Nothing is wasted. Waste, on the other hand, is a human invention. It is time to close the cycle and create a more dynamic economy that includes repurposing, redistributing, remanufacturing and reusing resources. It’s time for new ideas.

Type of projects that can apply
Production and sustainable consumption economic models that replace supply and demand linear patterns (extract, produce, consume, discard) that are harmful to the environment, with one that resembles nature's evolution by extending products' lifecycles.

Projects, programs, products or services that:

- Reshape consumption paradigms
- Eliminate or replace single-use plastics
- Incorporate recycled products to an existing industrial process
- Encourage the management, treatment and use of organic waste with applicable, profitable and scalable solutions
- Regenerate natural systems
Type of applicants
- Local, regional and national governments
- NGOs
- Rural associations
- Farmers
- Civil society groups
- Farmers unions
- Corporations
- Companies
- Entrepreneurs
- Academia

Green Tech Startups

According to the World Economic Forum, the value created by startups closely matches the GDP of a G7 economy and the amount of startup funding in 2021 surpassed $600 billion, shattering funding records in previous years. Furthermore, there are over one thousand unicorn companies and this number is growing exponentially. A purpose-driven startup involves seeing the world with new eyes, discovering new opportunities and building new realities to change lives. This is why it is critical to support this type of companies and entrepreneurial ecosystems to help face global challenges, such as the climate crisis and poverty.

Type of projects that can apply
Projects, programs, products or services of tech-based startups that present solutions to an environmental or social problem with clear benefits for their clients or community that:

- Are highly innovative, in some cases disruptive and scalable
- Use scientific or technological discoveries in products or services with verifiable purpose and impact
Type of applicants
Startups and technological ventures with less than 5 years since inception, with proven sales and at least one funding round.

Renewable Energy

Fossil fuel-based energy production systems are the main source of greenhouse gas generation, which traps heat in the atmosphere causing climate change. The demand for electricity is expected to increase by 70% in the next two decades. One of the most important actions we can take to reduce our impact on the environment is to accelerate the transition towards clean and renewable energy, which provides reliable energy supplies, improves energy security and reduces pollution risks, while protecting our natural resources and creating green jobs.

Type of projects that can apply
Projects, programs, equipment or services producing reliable, low emissions energy from renewable sources that:

- Advance industrial decarbonization
- Boost energy transition
- Provide or facilitate access to energy in remote places and communities
Type of applicants
- Local, regional and national governments
- Multilateral organizations
- NGOs
- Civil society groups
- Corporations
- Companies
- Public-private associations
- Entrepreneurs
- Academia
- Individuals

Resilient Cities and Communities

90% of the world’s population is expected to live in cities by 2040. We are pressed to advance resilience-based architectural design to create healthier living conditions in urban and rural areas. Design that reduces the use of natural resources and energy consumption, and favors renewable resources and green materials to address social, natural, and environmental issues.

Type of projects that can apply
Construction, infrastructure, public space, landscape, community or city projects, completed or in progress, with innovative design providing real solutions to:

- Palliate the effects of climate change
- Reduce risks and threats for the population

Projects designed to enhance environmental services such as water cycle, climate regulation, oxygen generation, wildlife, scenery, and pollination, among others.
Type of applicants
- Local, regional and national governments
- NGOs
- Civil society groups
- Construction companies
- Real estate brokers
- Architects or architecture studios
- Academia
- Civil engineers
- Artists

Sustainable Farming and Food Production

Agriculture accounts for up to 30% of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions and for 70% of all freshwater withdrawals globally. Irresponsible agricultural practices and over consumption are some of the causes for the deterioration and depletion of our natural resources. Deforestation, monocultures, and the overuse of pesticides and fertilizers, among other practices, are depleting our natural resources uninterruptedly. We must find new ways to practice sustainable agriculture. And we must do it now.

Type of projects that can apply
Innovative programs, projects, initiatives, products or services in the agriculture, agribusiness, distribution, marketing or retail sectors that:

- Promote deforestation and forest degradation-free production
- Apply ancestral knowledge and wisdom from local communities into their processes
- Use technology for efficient use of natural resources and agricultural supplies
- Are committed to low carbon emission production and distribution
- Reduce food waste
- Enhance bioeconomy and inclusive value chains
- Meet the principle and purpose of fair-trade
- Use a farm-to-table model
- Use reusable, recyclable or compostable packaging
- Encourage responsible consumption of agricultural products
Type of applicants
- Local, regional and national governments
- NGOs
- Civil society groups
- Farmers unions or guilds
- Associations
- Conscious consumption movements
- Indigenous communities and tribes
- Multilateral organizations
- Agricultural companies
- Transportation and logistics companies
- Entrepreneurs

Sustainable Human Development

As global population increases by 80 million each year, so does human needs and greed, putting pressure on natural resources. The challenges that lay ahead are to ensure that the huge and growing global wealth is distributed fairly, and that the global economy supports planetary health. In the words of former UNDP Administrator, James Speth: “Sustainable human development not only generates economic growth but distributes its benefits equitably; regenerates the environment rather than destroying it; empowers people rather than marginalizing them."

Type of projects that can apply
Existing models, projects, programs, products or services that in an innovative and applicable way eliminate or reduce the gap to achieve sustainable development and improve our relationship with nature throughout our lives. Some areas include:

- Poverty
- Hunger
- Health
- Access to clean water and hygiene
- Education
- Gender equality
- Women empowerment
- Decent work
- Inclusive economic growth
- Peace and justice
- Ancestral knowledge
Type of applicants
- Local, regional and national governments
- NGOs
- Civil society groups
- Multilateral organizations
- Companies
- Corporations
- Entrepreneurs
- Academia

Sustainable Finance

To meet the financial needs of the 2030 Agenda we must come together to manage global financial assets collectively. While governments will continue to play a key financing role, the private sector needs to quickly engage in financing many areas of the SDGs in order to close the gap. By strategically using development finance and philanthropic funds to mobilize and leverage private capital, we can foster business and create market opportunities for a more sustainable world. This is the only way to invest in our future.

Type of projects that can apply
Innovative financing and credit programs, refundable or non-refundable funds, financial operations (debt exchange, bonds, etc.) that:

- Advance ecological transition and decarbonization
- Accelerate circular models and sustainable growth of countries, cities, and companies that mitigate and/or reduce vulnerability to climate change
- Generate green employment
- Promote the use of sustainable natural resources and nature-inspired innovative solutions
- Reduce inequality and poverty

Incubation and/or acceleration programs for technological or social innovation ventures that offer financing for scalability.
Type of applicants
Organizations that offer specific financing products or programs to reach the Sustainable Development Goals such as:

- Public or private development banks
- Governments with financial cooperation investment for developing or under developed countries
- Private banking
- Public or private investment funds
- Philanthropists
- NGOs
- Co-ops
- Accelerators or incubators
- Insurance companies
- Brokerage firms
- Mortgage companies

Land

Climate and landscape directly affect all species and their ecosystems, which are the basis of all civilization, sustain our economies and represent a source of biodiversity, food and life. More than half of the world's population depends directly on healthy ecosystems for survival. We need to generate collective action to build bridges between conservation and human development, to guarantee the health of the landscape that surrounds us and the systems that provide us with life.

Type of projects that can apply
Innovative governance models, projects, programs, products or services that:

- Improve conservation and biodiversity of land ecosystems
- Abolish wildlife trafficking
- Promote the sustainable use of resources
- Enhance environmental services
- Could serve as carbon sinks

The projects focus on landscape conservation and promote the bioeconomy in, for example, indigenous communities and tribes.

Land ecosystems include: forests, deserts, mountains, and grasslands, among others.
Type of applicants
- Local, regional and national governments
- National parks and protected areas
- NGOs
- Civil society groups
- Academia
- Companies
- Entrepreneurs
- Research centers
- Wildlife management centers
- Unions or guilds
- Indigenous communities and tribes

Fresh Water

Climate and landscape directly affect all species and their ecosystems, which are the basis of all civilization, sustain our economies and represent a source of biodiversity, food and life. More than half of the world's population depends directly on healthy ecosystems for survival. We need to generate collective action to build bridges between conservation and human development, to guarantee the health of the landscape that surrounds us and the systems that provide us with life.

Type of projects that can apply
Innovative governance models, projects, programs, products or services that:

- Improve the quality and availability of water resources
- Contribute to the conservation and biodiversity of freshwater ecosystems
- Abolish wildlife trafficking
- Enhance environmental services and the bioeconomy

Freshwater ecosystems include glaciers, moorlands, rivers, lakes, wetlands, ponds, streams, and groundwater.
Type of applicants
- Local, regional and national governments
- National parks and protected areas
- NGOs
- Civil society groups
- Academia
- Companies
- Entrepreneurs
- Research centers
- Wildlife management centers
- Unions or guilds
- Indigenous communities and tribes

Marine Resources

Climate and landscape directly affect all species and their ecosystems, which are the basis of all civilization, sustain our economies and represent a source of biodiversity, food and life. More than half of the world's population depends directly on healthy ecosystems for survival. We need to generate collective action to build bridges between conservation and human development, to guarantee the health of the landscape that surrounds us and the systems that provide us with life.

Type of projects that can apply
Innovative governance models, projects, programs, products or services that:

- Improve the conservation and biodiversity of marine ecosystems
- Abolish marine wildlife trafficking
- Promote the blue economy through a sustainable use of resources
- Could serve as carbon sinks
- Fight against marine garbage pollution, especially single-use plastics

Marine ecosystems include: Estuaries, mangrove forests, wetlands, coral reefs, open sea and deep sea."
Type of applicants
- Local, regional and national governments
- National parks and protected areas
- NGOs
- Civil society groups
- Academia
- Companies
- Entrepreneurs
- Research centers
- Wildlife management centers
- Unions or guilds
- Indigenous communities and tribes

SPECIAL AWARDS

Among the tenth edition's winners, The Partnership for Action on Green Economy - PAGE, will grant one project the opportunity to present it to the United Nations Convention.

Among the 500-Best projects, the three most outstanding for the use of technology as the central axis of their socio-environmental impact will be chosen. The winners will receive an intensive week of workshops and mentoring with specialists, who will review their business models, develop rapid innovation strategies and refine their sales pitch.

Among the winners of each of the 11 categories of the tenth edition, the International Jury will choose, through technical parameters, the project with the greatest potential for scalability. The winner will receive $20,000 to increase their impact and advance to the next level.

OUR INTERNATIONAL JURY

Since Premios Verde's first Edition in 2013, participation has grown exponentially. Close to 18,000 participants from 1.147 cities and 43 countries have been a part of previous editions. Evaluating these projects in depth and with the utmost rigor would not have been possible was it not for a group of experts who dedicate their time and experience to rate candidates' work each year. Premios Verdes's Jury is made up of two international divisions: The technical commission (first selection of projects) and the Annual Jury (final selection)

STRATEGIC ALLIES

When we say “We are the change,” we mean you, me, and all of us who believe in a better world. Hence, we make alliances; we are made up of 85 organizations and growing.

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We are unstoppable. Thanks to the relationships we have built with our partners, sustainable development transcends national boundaries, is covered by news outlets, and becomes a verifiable reality.