The Equator Prize, established as part of the UNDP Equator Initiative, honours best practice in community-based biodiversity conservation and poverty reduction within the equatorial belt. Since 2002, the Prize has identified exemplary ecotourism ventures in Africa, Asia and Latin America that demonstrate principles of economic and environmental sustainability. With tourism revenues put back into the community, these initiatives are designed to and successfully benefit the lives of its constituents.

Saving biodiversity before lunch
There are few places in the world where you can find ten species of primates, nine different species of hornbills, and a spattering of rare birds – all before stopping for lunch. Sabah, Borneo Malaysia where the Batu Puteh Community Ecotourism Co-operative (KOPEL Bhd.) is located, provides just that. The co-operative offers lodging, guided tours, river sightseeing, exposure to local culture and crafts, as well as a forest restoration programme for international students. Work has also been done to eradicate Salvinia, an invasive and ecologically devastating weed, from nearby Tungog Lake. A micro-credit loan programme has allowed improvements in hygiene, household water and electricity supplies, and roofing. The communally operated site has attracted tourists from far and wide, stabilized the local ecology, and improved the overall welfare of the community.

Beyond ecotourism
Set in the lush Peruvian Amazon, Ese’eja is surrounded by a natural beauty and splendor that is nothing short of enchanting. Yet, unsustainable agriculture, logging and mining practices were threatening this tropical paradise and the traditional lifestyle of the Ese’eja people. In 1996, Rainforest Expeditions teamed up with the village to build the Posada Amazonas lodge, as part of a larger piece of land designated as a wildlife preserve. The lodge has given community members better lives as well as a chance to continue to embrace their unique heritage. Trained locals now educate residents and tourists on macaws and giant river otters. A secondary school as well as a medical post have been established. Higher incomes have provided the freedom for at least one member of each family to continue their traditional practices. By 2016, complete management and ownership will be transferred to the community. The Il Ngwesi Group Ranch is situated on the northwest edge of the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy in northern Kenya. Nestled between mountain peaks and vast plains, the scene is dazzling to the eye. Lakes and rivers flow amongst the sprawling grasslands and forests. Large savannah animals graze right at the ranch’s doorstep. This was not always the case. Poaching, illegal logging, and over-grazing were endangering much of the wildlife prior to the establishment of the ranch. The local community was empowered to stop this trend. Revenues from the ranch, fully owned and run by the community, have enabled to open a primary school and three nurseries, as well as to improve water maintenance and health schemes.

Blending capital
The Equator Initiative has, over the years, helped to uncover a number of commercially sound, community based, biodiversity businesses. Building on this experience, the Initiative has been exploring new avenues to further support these businesses. The partnership with Conservation International to run Equator Ventures is a clear illustration of the Equator Initiative going beyond a prize. Equator Ventures, which is entering its second year, provides long term support in the form of blended capital (grants and loans) to small and medium sized businesses. For instance, Equator Venture recently provided grant funding to an ecotourism project in Mozambique that is going beyond safaris by finding ways to enhance the environment and livelihoods of the people of Ibo Island.

A focus on conservation as well as on local people has marked these efforts as promising signs of a bright future for biodiversity, communities, and tourists alike.

Daniel Carmeli (daniel.carmeli @undp.org) is Programme Assistant and Elspeth Halverson (elspeth.halverson@undp.org) is Programme Officer, UNDP Equator Initiative.