who: UNEP (United Nations Environment Programme) is a worldwide organisation created to provide leadership and encourage partnerships in caring for the environment by inspiring, informing, and enabling nations and peoples to improve their quality of life without compromising that of future generations.

what: in 1987, UNEP launched the Global 500 Roll of Honour for Environmental Achievement to recognise the outstanding achievements of individuals and organisations in protecting and improving the environment.

Champions of the Earth , UNEP's new global environment award, replaces the Global 500 Roll of Honour. The award is a tribute to successes on the front lines of global environmental action. The Champions of the Earth award provides prestige and attracts worldwide public, media and political support.

why: the new award recognises the environmental achievements of individuals and organisations who have reached significant visibility around the world or in their regions (Africa, Asia and the Pacific, Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean, North America, and West Asia). Its aims are, basically, to encourage university graduates to continue their work by providing them with appropriate momentum; to enhance environmental awareness at the regional and global levels and to promote effective ways of addressing environmental issues.

how: UNEP invites nominations from individuals or groups who have made a significant and recognised contribution, regionally or beyond, to the protection and sustainable management of the Earth’s environment and natural resources. Persons may nominate themselves or their own organisation, or they may choose to nominate a third party who they believe should receive recognition. All nominations must be supported by three referees.

Candidates will be judged by a panel of senior UNEP staff members, with input from UNEP’s regional offices located in six regions: Africa (Nairobi, Kenya), West Asia (Manama, Bahrain), Asia and the Pacific (Bangkok, Thailand), North America (Washington DC, USA), Latin America and the Caribbean (Mexico City, Mexico), and Europe (Geneva, Switzerland).

The six Champions of the Earth will be invited to attend an international awards ceremony. The annual ceremony will publicise and encourage the worldwide replication of the achievements of the Champions.

cool for you: candidates will be rewarded for their creativity, vision and leadership, and the potential of their work and ideas for replication across the globe. Download the nomination form at: www.unep.org/champions/nomination-form.htm.