The Equator Prize recognises and celebrates outstanding local initiatives that are working to advance sustainable development solutions for people, nature and resilient communities. One of this year's winners is the Environmental and Social Studies Group, which has received the award for its work in the central mountain region of Guerrero, Mexico, promoting local access to safe water and training communities in sustainable land management. As part of its work, the organisation has reforested more than 500 hectares of land in an important watershed area, established more than 60 organic farms, and undertaken terracing over 20 kilometres of hillside to reduce and prevent soil erosion.
The Environmental and Social Studies Group was co-founded in 1977 by the late LEAD Mexico Fellow Jasmine Aguilar. It seeks to help address sustainability challenges through social and environmental problem solving. One of its main areas of focus has been Guerrero, where the team has worked to secure full participation and democratic decision-making in the supply and distribution of water. Over the past three decades improvements to local watersheds have been pursued through reforestation, organic agriculture, and changes to livestock rearing practices. The organization also works with eight women's self-help groups to provide workshops and capacity building in the canning and drying of local foods, reintroducing traditional crops, building and maintaining organic vegetable gardens, and household level water management and sanitation systems.
Read more about the Environmental and Social Studies Group and the Equator Prize.
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