The descriptions of the categories that will be awarded are:
1. CIRCULAR ECONOMY
Entries in this category are for projects that have as their main focus the care, protection and recovery of the most important resources for our lives.
Economic models of sustainable production and consumption participate that replace patterns harmful to the environment, with linear behavior between supply and demand: extraction, production, consumption and disposal, to one that resembles the transformations that occur in nature, thus extending the life cycle of products, rethinking from design to post-consumer life and their reintegration into the economy.
Projects, programs, products or services that:
Change consumer paradigms.
Innovatively eliminate or replace single-use plastics.
Incorporate recycled products into an industrial process.
Promote the management, treatment and utilization of organic waste with applicable, cost-effective and scalable solutions.
Regenerate natural systems.
They can apply: local, regional and national governments, NGOs, rural associations, farmers, civil associations, productive unions, corporations, companies, entrepreneurs, academics.
2. FINANCE (FINANCE)
To meet the financial needs of the 2030 Agenda, we must come together to manage global financial assets collectively. As long as governments continue to play a key financial role, the private sector must commit to and support several areas of the SDGs to reduce disparities as soon as possible. We can harness private capital to build a more sustainable world if we use funded development and philanthropic funds strategically, to drive business and create market opportunities. Because if we don't invest in a more sustainable society, we're not investing in the future.
They can participate: Incubation and/or acceleration programs for technological or social innovation ventures that have funding for the scalability of solutions. Innovative financing programs, incentives, credit, refundable or non-refundable funds, financial operations (exchange of debts, bonds, etc.) that: - Facilitate ecological transition and decarbonization - Accelerate circular models and sustainable growth of countries, cities and companies - Mitigate or reduce vulnerability to climate change - Promote the creation of green employment and the sustainable use of natural resources - Promote innovative solutions based on nature - Promote the inclusion and reduction of inequality and poverty.
They can apply: Organizations that offer financing programs for the fulfillment of the Sustainable Development Goals such as: - Public or private development banks - Governments with financial cooperation investment to developing or less developed countries - Private banking - Public or private investment funds - Philanthropists - NGOs - Cooperatives - Accelerators or incubators - Insurers - Brokerage firms - Mortgage companies.
3. FRESHWATER (FRESH WATER)
The projects that fall into this category are those focused on working to provide access to drinking water to the entire spectrum of society and across the entire geography, as well as its preservation and care. Some projects that can serve as examples are those focused on irrigation management, planning and implementation of drinking and sustainable water systems, access to water, purification, etc.
Models can participate that:
Improve the quality and availability of water resources.
Contribute to the conservation of freshwater ecosystems and their biodiversity.
Eliminate wildlife trafficking.
Enhance environmental services, as well as the bioeconomy.
Glaciers, wastelands, rivers, lakes, wetlands, ponds, streams and groundwater are included in freshwater ecosystems.
4. GREEN TECH STARTUPS
According to the World Economic Forum, the value created by startups is close to the GDP of a G7 economy and the amount of investment funds in 2021 exceeded $600 billion, a figure well above previous years. In addition, there are more than a thousand unicorn companies and this number is growing exponentially. A purposeful company involves seeing the world with new eyes, discovering new opportunities and building new realities to change lives. Today, more than ever, it is vital to support these types of startups and business ecosystems that help to face global challenges such as the climate crisis and poverty.
Technology-based startup projects, programs, products or services can participate, promoted with the purpose of solving an environmental or social problem and with clear benefits for their clients or community that:
They are highly innovative, in some cases disruptive and scalable.
Use scientific or technological discoveries in clear products or services that can demonstrate their purpose and impact.
Startups and technological ventures with less than 5 years since their creation that have already generated their first sales and that have undergone an initial round of financing can apply.
5. HUMAN DEVELOPMENT
The population increases by 80 million every year. This also increases basic needs and human ambition, which put pressure on our natural resources. The only way to develop as a species is to ensure that growing global wealth is distributed fairly and that the global economy supports the health of the planet.
They can participate: Existing models, projects, programs, products or services that in an innovative and applicable way eliminate or reduce the gap to achieve the sustainable development of the human being and their relationship with nature at any of its stages. Some of the areas include: - Poverty - Hunger - Health - Access to clean water and hygiene - Education - Gender equality - Women's empowerment - Decent work - Inclusive economic growth - Justice and peace - Ancestral knowledge and knowledge.
They can apply: local, regional and national governments - NGOs - Civil society groups - Multilateral organizations - Companies - Corporations - Enterprises - Academia.
6. LAND (TERRESTRIAL ECOSYSTEMS)
The climate and the 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 directly depends on healthy ecosystems for survival, regardless of their type (marine, freshwater or terrestrial). We need to generate collective action to build bridges between conservation and development, which guarantee the health of the landscape that surrounds us and the systems that provide us with life.
Governance models, projects, programs, products, innovative services that:
Improve the quality and contribute to the conservation of terrestrial ecosystems and their biodiversity.
Eliminate illegal wildlife trafficking.
Stimulate the sustainable use of natural resources.
Enhance environmental services and have the capacity to be carbon sinks.
The projects focus on landscape conservation and promote bioeconomy in, for example, indigenous and ancestral peoples and communities. Forests, deserts, mountains and grasslands, among others, are included in terrestrial ecosystems.
They can apply: local, regional and national governments, national park and protected area services, NGOs, civil society groups, academia, companies, enterprises, research centers, wildlife management centers, unions, peoples and nationalities.
7. MARINE ECOSYSTEMS
Entries in this category are for projects that have as their main focus the care, protection and recovery of the most important resources for our lives.
We are looking for projects focused on the conservation and control of the exploration of our seas and oceans, with the objective of sustainable and sustainable development. The inputs can focus on cleaning, temperature, acidification, currents, life and legislation.
They can apply for projects that:
Improve the quality and contribute to the conservation of marine ecosystems and their biodiversity.
Eliminate illegal trafficking in marine wildlife.
Encourage a blue economy for your populations by using resources in a sustainable way.
They have the capacity to be carbon sinks.
This category also includes the fight for the elimination of marine litter pollution, especially single-use plastics.
Marine ecosystems include estuaries, mangrove forests, wetlands, coral reefs, open seas and deep-sea seas.
8. RENEWABLE ENERGY
Fossil fuel-based energy production systems are the main source of greenhouse gas generation, which trap heat in the atmosphere and accelerate climate change. Electricity demand is expected to increase by 70% over the next two decades. One of the most important actions we can take to reduce our impact on the environment is to promote the transition to clean and renewable energies, which provide reliable energy supplies, improve energy security and reduce pollution risks, while protecting our natural resources and creating green jobs.
They can apply innovative energy projects, programs, equipment or services that: Come from renewable sources, are reliable, are low in carbon emissions, that allow the decarbonization of industries or the energy transition of countries, facilitate access to energy for populations in remote areas of the planet.
They can apply: local, regional and national governments, multilateral organizations, NGOs, civil associations, corporations, companies, public-private partnerships, entrepreneurs, academics, individuals.
9. RESILIENT CITIES AND COMMUNITIES
It is estimated that 90% of the world's population will live in cities by 2040. The planet needs resilient designs that guarantee a better quality of life in urban and rural areas, that minimize the use of natural resources and energy consumption, and that use more renewable resources and green materials. New housing development models are essential to respond to social and environmental problems.
Projects whose design and implementation have enhanced environmental services such as the water cycle, climate regulation, oxygen generation, wildlife refuge, scenic beauty and pollination, among others, can participate. Implemented projects -whether in one of their phases- whose innovative design of buildings, infrastructure, public spaces, landscapes, communities or cities, provides solutions to: - Mitigate the effects of climate change - Reduce risks, threats or vulnerabilities of the population.
Local, regional and national governments, NGOs, civil society groups, construction companies, real estate developers, architects or architectural firms, academics, civil engineers, artists can apply.
10. SUSTAINABLE FARMING AND FOOD PRODUCTION
Agriculture accounts for up to 30% of greenhouse gas emissions and 70% of freshwater extraction worldwide. Irresponsible agricultural practices and unconscious consumption are some of the causes of the deterioration and depletion of our natural resources. Deforestation, monocultures and the excessive use of pesticides and fertilizers, among other practices, continuously deplete our soil. We must find new ways to practice sustainable agriculture.
Innovative programs, projects, initiatives, products or services, business models within the agricultural sector, agro-industry, distribution, commercialization, final consumption that: Include production free from deforestation and forest degradation - Include the knowledge and knowledge of peoples, communities and nationalities, such as the value of the farm - Include technology for the efficient use of natural resources, water and agricultural inputs - Commit to low production and distribution in carbon emissions - Reduce crop loss and waste - Boost bioeconomy and inclusive value chains - Comply with the principles and purpose of fair trade - Promote the “farm to table” model - Use reusable, recyclable or compostable packaging - Promote responsible consumption of agricultural products.
They can apply: local, regional and national governments; NGOs - Civil society collectives; Peasant movements; Associations; Productive unions; Urban movements for conscious consumption; Peoples, nationalities and communities; Multilateral organizations; Agricultural companies; Transport and logistics companies and enterprises.
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