The Equator Initiative, a United Nations-led partnership that supports grassroots efforts in biodiversity conservation and poverty alleviation, selected CSP as one of only 25 winners of the 2008 Equator Prize from a field of 310 highly competitive nominations from around the world.
“The Conservancy is thrilled that the Equator Initiative has recognized the tremendous achievements of CSP,” said Bill Raynor, director of The Nature Conservancy’s program in Micronesia. “This award signals that CSP is not only doing a great job of conserving the natural heritage of Pohnpei — it can also serve as a model for other groups around the world.”
The Nature Conservancy helped launch CSP in 1997 with a start up challenge grant and has since worked to connect the Society with international funders and other resources.
“Since the inception of the Conservation Society of Pohnpei ten years ago, the community it serves has always been at the center and forefront of CSP’s mission,” said Patterson Shed, executive director of CSP.
“Our achievements are the direct result of strong partnerships and community support. CSP wishes to thank all our partners for believing and supporting a decade of conservation from Ridges to Reefs in Pohnpei.”
Shed accepted the $5,000 prize during a high-level awards ceremony in Barcelona, which included such dignitaries as Prince Albert of Monaco and American billionaire Ted Turner.
Shed assured the prize committee as well as leaders from international groups and foreign governments that the prize is ultimately a recognition of the commitment of the people of Pohnpei.
The prize committee declared: “The level of competition for the prize was extremely high and the depth of nominations received was truly impressive. Among this year’s remarkable entries, you provided us with a strong demonstration of the inventiveness of community-based work currently being undertaken in the tropics, often against tremendous odds.
“In addition to receiving a monetary endowment of $5,000, delivered to you by our local UNDP country office, your organization joins an increasingly influential avant-garde of 78 previous Equator Prize winners that stand at the forefront of translating local action into global sustainable development. In that spirit, you now become an essential part of our core global network of Equator Prize winners and we look forward to promoting and enhancing your work.”
