Unsustainable agricultural practices remain one of the greatest threats to ecosystems and biodiversity. As the global population grows, so too does the demand for food – requiring production increases and potentially even greater impacts on the environment. Widespread land use and agricultural practices must change to reduce these losses. Yet, behavior change in this field is often inhibited by lack of awareness of solutions and of biodiversity’s value for the agricultural sector.
Solution Search is designed to change that. Some innovative solutions have recently emerged that bring farming in harmony with the natural environments that surround. Some have increased the biodiversity of plants, animals, insects and more on the agricultural land itself. This contest seeks to identify, reward and spotlight those successful approaches. In doing so, Solution Search will also increase awareness of biodiversity, its value and the many ways to conserve and sustainability use/manage it.
We want you to tell us: How have you promoted changes in human activities (including your own practices) to ensure sustainable harvests/food security while also conserving, strengthening and/or restoring biodiversity on your agricultural lands and/or the surrounding environment?
Examples of potential entries include:
Sustainable land use management that integrates the consideration of biodiversity and ecosystems
Alternative pest control practices that reduce toxic run-off into local water sources
Organic farming methods that increase soil biodiversity (or other species)
Livestock control measures that protect local flora and fauna
Innovative approaches that reduce human-animal conflicts in agricultural zones
This Solution Search focuses on behavior changes in agriculture that are primed for broad adoption, not simply those concepts identified in a scientific lab nor those that do not have holistic benefits (farmer, community, nature, water, climate resilience, etc.).
After the contest concludes, Rare and IFOAM-Organics International will host a series of workshops to spread the most promising approaches around the world. All entries will be considered for this workshop feature, which also involves the solution entrant being honored by traveling to help train other peer practitioners in the solution.<
Prizes
GRAND PRIZE – $30,000
Awarded to the Judges’ Choice (selected by our panel) and People’s Choice (recipient of most votes)
CATEGORY PRIZES – $15,000
Four prizes awarded in the following categories: Social/Community Impact, Biodiversity Impact, Food Security/Nutrition Impact and Water Impact.
FINALISTS
Trip to Workshop and Awards Ceremony
Attend a capacity-building workshop and awards ceremony in New York, NY, USA with some of the biggest names in conservation and development
EARLY ENTRANT PRIZE – $5,000
Awarded to the best entry received by February 10, 2017
Contest Requirements
- Context Analysis: Clear description of the challenges and of the context in which it operates and the challenges it faces.
- Solution: Solution is fully developed, addresses contest question and implemented at some scale.
- Actions: Clear, concrete steps in implementation. Engaged key partners and stakeholders along the way. Entrant understands how actions could connect to external initiatives as well.
- Results: Strong results associated with biodiversity conservation and of other co-benefits, such as economic, food security/nutrition, water, and/or climate.
- Sustainability: Economically sustainable solution
- Return on investment: Positive return (financial, social, or other) associated with investment in the solution
- Replicability: Extent to which the solution is could be replicated by other communities
Solution Search is open to all organizations who have a proven solution in biodiversity-friendly agricultural practices. While we celebrate innovation by individuals, they are not eligible. Entries will be considered that comply with the following:
- DEADLINE: March 10, 2017, 5:00 p.m. ET.
- If selected as the winner, applicant must agree to use the prize money to further the solution and organization’s goals.
- If selected as the winner, applicant must agree to comply with all national and international laws governing the transfer of any prizes, monetary or otherwise, across national and international boundaries.
- Agree to all terms of submission as described in the Terms and Conditions.
To nominate an entrant or submit your entry online, please click here.
Or you may download the entry form.
