Equator Prize 2025
The Bibi Fatima Women’s Self-Help Group (SHG) from Teertha village in Karnataka’s Dharwad district won the prestigious Equator Initiative Award 2025. This United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) prize honours community-led nature-based solutions for sustainable development and climate resilience. The Bibi Fatima SHG is the only Indian winner among ten global recipients from nine countries.
About the Equator Prize
The Equator Prize is awarded annually by UNDP to recognise Indigenous Peoples and local communities protecting biodiversity and promoting sustainable livelihoods. The 2025 theme focused on Women and Youth Leadership for Nature-Based Climate Action. Winners were selected from over 700 nominations across 103 countries. Each winner receives USD 10,000 and global recognition, including participation in major UN events.
Bibi Fatima Women’s SHG Achievements
Formed in 2018 by 15 women, the group now supports over 5,000 farmers in 30 villages. It promotes millet-based mixed cropping on rainfed farms using eco-friendly natural farming methods. The SHG manages community seed banks distributing free seeds to farmers. It runs a solar-powered millet processing unit producing value-added products like rotis and vermicelli. These efforts enhance food security, biodiversity conservation, and women’s economic empowerment.
Collaborations and Support
The SHG works with organisations such as Sahaja Samruddha, Indian Institute of Millets Research, and CROPS4HD. Selco Foundation provided solar power for the processing unit. The group also partners with Devadhanya Farmer Producer Company to promote rural agribusinesses. This network strengthens climate-resilient farming and sustainable rural livelihoods.
Global Context of 2025 Winners
The other nine winners come from Argentina, Brazil, Ecuador, Indonesia, Kenya, Papua New Guinea, Peru, and Tanzania. Their initiatives range from Indigenous craft cooperatives and rainforest conservation to marine ecosystem restoration and agrobiodiversity zones. Collectively, these projects protect ecosystems, support food sovereignty, and promote inclusive green economies. Women and youth leadership are central to these successes.
Significance of Nature-Based Solutions
Nature-based solutions combine traditional knowledge with innovation to address climate change and biodiversity loss. They encourage ecosystem restoration, sustainable agriculture, and community resilience. Recognising Indigenous and local leadership ensures culturally grounded and equitable approaches. Such models are vital for achieving global climate goals and sustainable development.
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