Since ancient times, in the course
of civilization, humans have employed resources from the natural
environment. As a result, the environmental loads on natural resources
have continued to grow, and disruption and fragmentation of the
ecosystem and a decrease of biodiversity have been caused by human
activities. It is now high time for us to take actions in ways to
conserve and sustainably use biodiversity in order to share the
blessings of the ecosystem and biodiversity and sustain our beautiful
earth where diverse organisms harmoniously live together.
The year 2010 was a milestone in fields related to the
mainstreaming of biodiversity. This was the International Year of
Biodiversity as declared by the United Nations. Also, the tenth meeting
of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological
Diversity (COP10) was held in Nagoya, Aichi, Japan. In commemoration of
this important year, the AEON Environmental Foundation, which also
celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2010, established “The MIDORI Prize
for Biodiversity.”
The MIDORI Prize is a biennial international prize to
honour individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the
conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity at global, regional or
local levels. The aims of this Prize are to extend the developmental
influence of the individual’s efforts to various projects relating to
biodiversity throughout the world, and to raise awareness about
biodiversity. In principle, the MIDORI Prize is awarded to three
individuals. Each prize winner is awarded a wooden plaque, a
commemorative gift and a monetary prize of 100,000 US dollars.
Criteria
Candidates are required to satisfy at least one of the following:
・Have made outstanding achievements that greatly contribute to biodiversity (Achievement)
・Have the ability to influence future activities related to biodiversity (Potential)
・Have conducted work which has impacts on various activities for biodiversity around the world (Impact).
・Have made outstanding achievements that greatly contribute to biodiversity (Achievement)
・Have the ability to influence future activities related to biodiversity (Potential)
・Have conducted work which has impacts on various activities for biodiversity around the world (Impact).
Accomplishment will be assessed on its:
- ・International contribution
- ・Contribution to conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity
- ・Social contribution
- ・Long-term perspective and continuity
- ・Creativity and originality
- ・Civic mindedness and breadth of perspective
- ・Efficacy and influence.
The closing date for nominations for the MIDORI Prize 2014 will be 31 May 2014.
