The ceremony opened with a blessing from an Equator Prize 2021 winner, Kerly Santi, a youth group leader from the Pueblo Originario Kichwa de Sarayaku, who offered her benediction:

“From the womb of the Living Forest, the women of Sarayaku bless humanity.”

The 12th Equator Prize Award Ceremony honoured ten outstanding local communities and Indigenous peoples from around the world. Due to the global pandemic, the ceremony was conducted virtually and was watched by more than 20,000 viewers worldwide.

Each winner received a cash award of US$10,000 for demonstrating innovative, nature-based solutions that address biodiversity loss, climate change, sustainable development and community resilience. The selected organizations are recognized globally for strengthening sustainable food systems, enhancing climate resilience and promoting a nature-positive economy.

For nearly 45 years, Snehakunja Trust has protected the fragile wetlands and coastal ecosystems of the Western Ghats and Karnataka Coast through community-based conservation initiatives. The Trust has empowered hundreds of Self Help Groups (SHGs), Village Forest Committees and local communities to sustainably manage natural resources using traditional ecological knowledge, natural farming practices, renewable energy and green entrepreneurship.

One of its landmark achievements has been the restoration of 375 hectares of mangrove ecosystems, while simultaneously launching India's first Blue Carbon Project. The restoration and protection of freshwater swamps and evergreen forests have helped conserve endangered species, preserve vital carbon sinks and safeguard critical aquifers supporting Indigenous and rural communities.

The United Nations recognized Snehakunja Trust with the Equator Prize 2021 for these exceptional achievements in ecological restoration, climate action, biodiversity conservation and the promotion of sustainable livelihoods through women-led Self Help Groups.