SEED Awards - Winners of the SEED Awards 2011

35 local projects promoting sustainable development in developing countries were chosen for this year’s SEED Awards. The projects were selected from a range of applications from 75 countries. They are exceptional in their strong local focus, their innovative and entrepreneurial approach and their positive contribution to environmental protection and poverty alleviation. The award winners receive tailor-made support for their activities, including access to expertise and relevant networks. They will also be given advice on financial issues. The SEED Awards 2011 once more focused on Africa. They are part of the broader Green Economy Initiative of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). Under the SEED initiative’s partnership with UN Women, a Gender Equity Award was given to a project from Nepal this year.

Every year, the SEED Initiative honours outstanding local start-up projects in the sustainable development sector for their entrepreneurial spirit and their commitment. The initiative wants to encourage young entrepreneurs to implement their plans for better environmental protection and development at local level and to help them overcome the projects’ early-stage problems. The overall aim is to contribute to achieving the millennium development goals and implementing the Agenda 21 and the Johannesburg Action Plan. Since the launch of the SEED Awards in 2005, the number of international applicants with promising and innovative environmental and development projects has steadily increased.

The SEED Initiative is based on a proposal by the Federal Environment Ministry. Since it was established it has found many important partners. It is now jointly run by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the World Conservation Union (IUCN), the US Department of State, the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Environment Ministries of India, the UK and Germany, the Dutch Ministry of Agriculture, the European Commission, Conservation International and the South African Independent Development Trust. Many other organisations also support the initiative.

A selection of the award-winning projects in 2011:

Project in Cameroon: "TAYAB ECO-ORCHARDS"

The initiative is geared towards mitigating land scarcity by means of ecotourism and agroforestry, thus creating alternative sources of income. It is managed by a farmers’ association.

Project in South Africa: "Why Honey"

In this innovative project local bee stocks are being increased and women beekeepers supported in selling honey and honey products and organising themselves in a communal association.

Project in Sri Lanka: "Community-based, sustainable and commercially viable Aloe vera products as alternative income generation for fisherwomen in Bar Reef Special Management Area in Kalpitiya"

The project strives to provide alternative sources of income for local fisherwomen through the production of aloe vera drinks and products. The project places particular emphasis on using sustainable cultivation methods.

Project in Uganda: "Solar Sister - African women led grassroots green energy revolution"

This initiative was set up by an NGO, women’s organisations and solar companies and has established a women-run network for the direct sale of solar lamps to rural households.

A full list of the award-winning projects of 2011 is available at www.seedinit.org.